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The use of laser diode pointers that operate in the visible radiation region (400 to 760 nanometers [nm]) is becoming widespread. These pointers are intended for use by educators while presenting talks in the classroom or at conventions and meetings. They are also useful in any situation where one needs to point out special items during any instructive situation. The pointers can be purchased in novelty stores, mail-order magazines, office supply stores, common electronics stores, and over the Internet. The power emitted by these laser pointers ranges from 1 to 5 milliwatts (mW).
Many of these devices are low cost, operated with AAA batteries, produce a beam that can be seen easily hundreds of meters away yet are small enough to be carried in the pocket or on a key chain. One design is available where the laser pointer is co-housed with a functional writing pen. Pointers are now being manufactured that can project patterns of a star, circle, square, as-well-as the conventional circular dot pattern. Although most of these devices contain warning labels, as required by FDA regulations, many have been erroneously advertised as "safe". At present there are no limitations on purchases and anyone can now buy a laser pointer that could be potentially hazardous if handled carelessly. The number in use today easily number in the millions.
The potential for hazard with laser pointers is generally considered to be limited to the unprotected eyes of individuals who might be exposed by a direct beam (intrabeam viewing). No skin hazard usually exists. The natural aversion response or blink reflex of the eye to a bright light (t=0.25 s) would usually limit the intrabeam exposure to a safe level for devices emitting at Class II levels (ANSI Z136.1 Standard "For the Safe Use of Lasers" [1] would, however, suggest that an intentional intrabeam exposure with a 5mW visible diode laser could require an eye filter of Optical Density (OD) of 0.7 for exposures in the order of 0.25 s. Longer exposure would require higher OD's. Diffuse viewing conditions would need no eye protection.
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