The biennial conference’s presentations and discussions were aimed at advancing laser safety & ranged from laser generated air pollution to body sculpting & liposuction
ORLANDO, FL – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Laser Institute of America (LIA)’s International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC®) was held March 20-23, 2017 at the Sheraton Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 200 laser safety professionals from around the world assembled, medical and industrial discussions included a large range of topics from non-ionizing radiation sources to laser generated air contaminants.
In arguing the need for uniform non-ionizing radiation safety standards, speaker Jacques Abramowicz noted, “…ultrasounds of babies can be performed by non-qualified/non-certified individuals, as can body sculpting and liposuction.”
Jeffrey Luttrull, M.D. completed the plenary session, declaring, “…the retina does not have to be damaged to treat it. Once you take retinal damage away, it is like pushing the reset button.”
Major American and European research laboratories provided results of studies on the bioeffects of both ultra short pulse lasers and varying wavelengths to the skin and eyes. As technologies advance and more lasers become available for research, the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits will evolve for years to come.
In a clear indication that the case is not closed on the Class 3R laser, there were several views presented from the history of the classification. Presentations included proposed changes of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations related to laser pointers and the dangers they may present.
The Medical Practical Applications Seminar (MPAS) concentrated on the handling of smoke and plumes. There were also presentations on the use of lasers to help burn victims and for the treatment of acute and chronic pains. Laser use in veterinary medicine was also a hot topic. Notably, representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were present at ILSC to answer questions in a panel discussion for the first time.
Because of the recent influx of first-time participants, the Technical Practical Applications Seminar (TPAS) refocused on the basics of laser safety. Co-chairs, Eddie Ciprazo and Jamie King, bookended the session with So you are the LSO – Now What? and Resources for the LSO. At the end of the seminar, attendees received the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Laser Lessons Learned Newsletter booklet, which is loaded with laser safety information.
In addition, the ILSC 2017 program featured a sponsor reception, display area, numerous networking opportunities, and a laser safety awards luncheon, which highlighted and recognized R. James Rockwell Jr. Award winner John O’Hagan and George M. Wilkening Award winner Wesley J. Marshall.
“In addition to our outstanding educational program at each biennial ILSC, we are pleased to recognize outstanding international laser safety leaders and their companies,” said LIA Marketing Director Jim Naugle.
For more information about ILSC 2017 and LIA’s commitment to laser safety, please visit: https://www.lia.org/conferences/ilsc.
About Laser Institute of America
Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. http://www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Ste 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.
