
If the laser emits in the visible region then the radiation is perceived as a single colour. In contrast a laser produces optical radiation over a very narrow wavelength band, so narrow that the laser is referred to as a monochromatic or single wavelength source. It is this property which allows the illumination of large areas using a single light bulb. The optical radiation produced for lighting is said to be highly divergent, that is the light spreads out rapidly as the observer moves away from the bulb. Their light is perceived as white light, and the bulb emits fairly equally in all directions. Lighting devices such as the compact fluorescent, LED or incandescent electric light bulbs produce optical radiation comprising of many different wavelengths.

When the radiation emitted by a source can be detected by the eye and produces a sensation of vision, it is referred to as light. It is these properties that distinguish laser radiation from the optical radiation produced by more familiar sources such as the sun or the common household electric light bulb. Lasers produce radiation with unique properties. PHE provides advice to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS) and Trading Standards concerning the safety of hand-held laser pointers and the optical hazards posed by the use of these products. PHE’s predecessor organisations were involved in the initial development of these Standards and PHE continues to work with the technical standards committees responsible for maintaining these documents. The advice from PHE takes account of the current British Standard for laser safety, and the technically equivalent European and International Standards. a summary of Public Health England’s ( PHE’s) position on the safety of laser pointers.basic information on the properties of laser radiation.The misuse of lasers, predominately laser pointers or pens, reported in the press has highlighted concerns over the safety of these devices from a number of perspectives. However, some of these ‘toy laser pens’ have been found to be more powerful than is acceptable for unrestricted use and have the potential to cause eye damage and other harm. Laser pointers or pens have also found their way into the home and are often described as ‘toys’.

Lasers are also used in domestic products where the laser can be ‘seen’ such as medical devices, and even toys.

In these appliances the consumer would have no access to the laser in normal use. Lasers are a valuable scientific tool in material, pharmaceutical and forensic research.They play an important role in the areas of medicine and industry, as well being used for entertainment purposes since the mid-1960s.Īt home, lasers can be found in many modern appliances such as in computers, laser printers, DVD and Blu-Ray® players. They can be found at home, in the workplace and they are used for many different applications. Lasers are now widely used during the course of our daily lives.
