Extreme output power emitted by commercial laser pointers in Greece: A solely local or a global issue?

Abstract

Although several countries have enacted legislation that prohibits the commercial distribution of laser pointers, high-power laser pointers are abundantly available on the market. The Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE) investigated the compliance of laser pointers with the laser radiation safety limits in order to apply risk management actions in Greece. Compliance was assessed based on the laser pointer labeled data and in-house optical measurements. Laser pointers were purchased randomly from domestic physical marketplaces. Output power measurements revealed the risk of overexposure compared to the lasers' radiation safety limit values. Measured values also exceeded the output power values claimed on the laser pointer labels; hence, they may pose an unexpected more severe hazard than stated. Spectral analysis revealed an additional emission wavelength by the green laser pointers. All the inspected laser pointers declared “compliance with 21 CFR” and were labeled according to the U.S. 21 CFR 1040.1, although all consumer products available on the Greek market should comply with the relevant EU Directives, harmonized standards, and national legislation. These local findings adhere to a global issue—the unambiguous exposure of nonexpert users to high-power laser pointers that should not be commercially available. Overexposure to laser pointer radiation suppresses national borders as markets are not locally constrained, and laser technology continues to advance. The introduction of a universal laser safety language and a universal regulatory framework for laser pointers might facilitate product safety, international trade, and users' safety. EEAE runs social media campaigns to raise public awareness of laser pointer risks, using specifically designed infographics.