Elaine

The US food and drug administration (FDA) has classified lasers from class I to class IV. They are classed according to the hazard posed by the amount and type of light they emit, with Class I lasers being non-hazardous and Class IV lasers being the most hazardous. Hand held lasers refer to laser pointers. They belong to the IIIa category and are used for pointing out objects and locations on a map or video projection screens.

Hand held lasers are also used for surveying, leveling, shaping, and delineating the form, degree, or position of a point, body, or area by taking angular measurement. They can also be used for positioning parts in proper relation to one another and defining a plane, level, elevation, or straight line. Hand held lasers could also be used for different purposes such as demonstration, entertainment, advertising display, or artistic composition.

Hand held lasers belonging to the IIIa category. They are manufactured according to FDA regulations, which limit their output power to five mille-watts in the visible wavelength ranging from 400 to 710 nanometers. Hand held lasers could cause short-term visual effects such as flash blinding that could distract or startle the person exposed. However, the risk of injury is limited as it is very difficult to keep the beam pointed directly in someone's eyes for longer periods. People may also close their eyes and turn their heads for protecting themselves from beams emitted by hand held lasers.

Despite the low risk posed by hand held lasers, users should be careful while using these devices as long term exposure to the iris may cause eye problems.

Hand held lasers are most commonly used for making presentations in schools, colleges, and offices. The US armed forces also use these devices for pointing out enemy locations and the position of enemy weapon depots during armed conflicts.

Lasers provides detailed information on Laser, Laser Printers, Laser Surgery, Laser Engraving and more. Lasers is affiliated with Foods That Cause Gout.