I heard the story on KSL radio, and someone did in fact say that it had to have been a "high-powered" laser; pointers were not mentioned that I recall. --- Dan Wilde <edliwnad@yahoo.com> wrote:
This is from Z-bolt.com a lazer pointer supplier: Laser Safety Safety
Care should always be taken, especially with children, when using a red laser or green laser pointer. The greatest danger of the laser beam is distracting a person from something that requires attention. For example, never flash a laser pointer beam anywhere near a driver or anyone who is operating machinery. Common courtesy tells us not to shine a laser pointer at a performer ( a basketball player; theater actor, etc. ) or at anyone else who might find it unpleasant or distracting.
Focusing directly on a red laser, or green laser beam for several seconds can result in unpleasant spots in front of the eyes. But these disappear in time and it is unlikely that a person will stare at the beam long enough to see spots afterward. People, even infants, instinctively do not focus on the sun and the same is true of a laser pointer beam. Research done at the Mayo Clinic* shows that even staring at the laser beam for as long as several minutes does not result in permanent eye damage. Insurance companies are perhaps the best gauge of safety, since their financial well-being depends on identifying dangerous products. The premium for laser pointer insurance is no more than for office chairs.
*. Laser Pointers and the Human Eye, A Clinicopathologic Study, Dennis M. Robertson, MD, et al. published in Clinopathologic Report, Dec. 2000.
*. Laser Pointers and the Human Eye, A Clinicopathologic Study, Dennis M. Robertson, MD, et al. published in Clinopathologic Report, Dec. 2000.
Joe Bauman <bau@desnews.com> wrote:
Hi all, a fellow reporter would like to know about the power of lasers to harm pilots' eyes. A Delta pilot apparently suffered damage to his eyes while flying into SLC the evening of Sept. 21. I know that sometimes people following our astronomy hobby use lasers to point out celestial objects at star parties, etc. What we don't know is whether these things are powerful enough to damage the eyes of pilots. This incident happened one day after first-quarter moon so I doubt anything was going on with astronomy at that time. But if you can help with descriptions of how powerful or weak the lasers are, etc., please give Jenifer Dobner a call at the paper at 237-2122. Thanks, Joe
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