Laser is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." Laser light has several properties that make it different from regular light. First, it is often collimated, which means it travels in a narrow beam for long distances, rather than going off in many directions as regular light does. Laser light is also coherent, which means that the light waves stay synchronized over long distances.  It is also monochromatic, that is, of one color.  Some laser beams are invisible, producing light in the infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths. A laser can produce a short burst of light or a continuous beam. Because it can be focused narrowly, laser light can be much more intense than regular light, especially in bursts. Lasers range in power from a few microwatts to several billion watts in short bursts.

DEP and Laser Safety

The Department presently does not regulate the use of lasers in New Jersey, but does keep track of and occasionally monitors laser lights how events for compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. The Department tracks laser light shows through the completion of an "acknowledgement form." Although the completion of this form is not required, it is highly recommended. Also, completion of this form will ensure that companies using lasers will be apprised of any pending State regulations and can therefore, provide comments in a timely manner.  Inquiries received by the Department regarding laser light shows usually come from the FDA and local health departments.

How the FDA Monitors Laser Safety

FDA regulates all kinds of lasers, from the ones used in surgery to those found in supermarket checkout scanners. The agency has authority to regulate them under the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act and the Medical Device Amendments to the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. In monitoring laser safety, FDA recognizes four major classes and two subclasses of lasers, ranging from those that pose no known hazard to those that pose serious danger if used improperly. Generally, the higher the class, the more powerful the laser. Depending on the strength of the laser, FDA requires a variety of safety features such as safety locks, emission indicators, switches that automatically turn off the laser in certain circumstances and the use of protective eyewear. The FDA requires that most lasers bear warning labels about radiation and other hazards, and all must display a certification label stating that the laser complies with FDA safety regulations.

For more information on this topic, please visit the following Internet areas: Please read this Disclaimer prior to connecting to these websites.

• University of Illinois Laser Safety Tutorial
• Manufacturers and Users of Lasers for Refractive Surgery (FDA)
• "An Important Letter to Ophthalmologists About Lasers for Refractive Surgery" (FDA)
• Update on Excimer Lasers for Nearsightedness (FDA)
• FDA Clears First Laser for Treating Tooth Decay (FDA News Release)

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