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Office of Security, Safety and Risk Management

Laser Hazards

Basic Hazards from Laser Equipment

  1. Eye -- Damage can occur from both acute and chronic exposure to laser radiation depending on the wavelength and exposure levels. Corneal and/or retinal burns can result from acute overexposure. Cataracts and/or retinal injury may be possible from chronic exposure to excessive levels.

    Damage to the retina can result from visible and near-infrared radiation, (400 to 1400 nm). Light directly from the laser or reflection from a mirror-like surface entering the eye can be focused to an extremely small image on the retina due to the focusing effects of the cornea and lens.

    Laser radiation in the middle-ultraviolet, (200 to 315 nm), and far-infrared, (3 micrometer to 1 mm), produce damage principally at the cornea.

    Radiation in the near-ultraviolet, (320-390 nm), and middle-infrared, (1.4 -3 micrometer), passes through the cornea with little damage but effects the lens behind the cornea.

    Therefore you can see that the tissues of the eye are susceptible to various forms of laser radiation and should be protected by appropriate eye protection depending on the wavelength of the laser emission.

  2. Skin -- Burns can result from acute exposures to high levels of optical radiation. Some specific ultraviolet wavelengths can cause carcinogenesis of the skin.

    Erythema, (sunburn), skin cancer and acceleration skin aging are possible from exposure of laser radiation in the range of 0.2 to 0.28 micrometer. Chronic exposure of 0.28 to 0.4 micrometer wavelength radiation can cause increase pigmentation. Photosensitive reactions are possible from wavelengths from 0.31 to 4 micrometer. And skin burns and excessive dry skin effects are possible from radiation in the range of 0.7 to 1 micrometer.

    Even though skin effects have been considered of secondary importance from a safety standpoint, cases of skin damage has been increasing due to the increase use of lasers emitting ultraviolet light and high-power lasers.

  3. Chemical Hazards -- Reactions induced by lasers can release hazardous particulate and gaseous products. An example of this occurs in material processing such as laser welding, cutting, and drilling which can create potentially hazardous fumes and vapors. General ventilation safety procedures should be used when lasers are used in this manner.
  4. Electrical Hazards -- Lethal electrical hazards are particularly present when high-power laser systems are used. When using any high-voltage power supply, whether lasers or another systems, always practice commonly accepted safety procedures.
  5. Other Secondary Hazards -- High-power lasers and lasers with continuous-wave output with power well above one-half watt have the potential to cause fire hazards. Another hazard associated with these types of lasers is working with cryogenic coolants such as liquid nitrogen. Skin contact can cause burns, improper plumbing can cause explosion, and insufficient ventilation can result in displacement of oxygen by the liquified gas vaporizing.