By John O’Hagan Laser technology and applications sometimes march ahead of laser safety standards. Lasers have been used in the aesthetic industry for many years. The availability of low-cost 808 nm laser diodes has triggered a whole industry of home-use devices for various treatments, such as hair removal (or more correctly hair “management”) and skin […]
Laser Safety
Regulatory Science and Laser Safety Research at the FDA
By Daniel X. Hammer, William Calhoun, Do-Hyun Kim, Robert James, Ilko K. Ilev and Victor Krauthamer The Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (FDA/CDRH) regulates medical devices and radiological products in the US. We approve new devices that are deemed to be safe and effective and clear for sale devices which […]
Better Informing the Public of Laser Exposure Injury Potential
By Patrick Murphy and Greg Makhov As the costs of consumer lasers drop, and as beam powers increase, there is growing concern over misuse of pointers and of more powerful hand-held lasers. Pilots and others harassed by lasers are often worried about potential injuries to their eyes. Fortunately, it is more difficult than the general public […]
Temporary Visual Impairment from LEDs in Toys
By Michael Higlett, Marina Khazova, John O’Hagan The continuing development of LED technology has resulted in the ever increasing use of LEDs in a wide range of consumer products, including toys. LEDs are used to a greater extent by toy manufacturers today to enhance toys visual appeal and choosing the appropriate LED is important to […]
Life and Breath: Upper Airway Guidelines
By Vangie Dennis The 2010 EPRI Institute estimated the number of operating room fires occurring annually in the United States are 550-650 which includes about 115-135 airway fires. Airway fires continue to be the most prevalent cause of operating room fire-induced serious injuries and death. The surgical team should understand ignition sources, fuels and oxidizers […]