Health Tip: Laser Pointer Safety


Search our database by Health Topic or enter your own keywords

FYI

- Health Tip: Laser Pointer Safety

- Never look directly into the beam

(HealthDayNews) -- Laser pointers emit light that is at least a million times brighter than the average bulb in your home. This kind of intense light can damage your eyes if you look directly into the beam, says the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety.

Here are some guidelines for safe laser pointer use:

When buying a laser pointer, choose one that has a clear warning label about the potential to cause eye damage. Read the instructions carefully and follow them closely.
Select one that stays on only when you apply pressure with your fingers.
Never point a laser beam at anyone and never look directly into the beam yourself.
Never aim a laser pointer at surfaces that would reflect the light back.
Never leave a laser pointer where children might reach it.

-- Felicity Stone

- This is a story from HealthDay, a service of ScoutNews, LLC.

Contact NWHIC
or call 1-800-994-WOMAN

NWHIC is a service of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services'
Office on Women's Health