Laser Safety Standards

Today, vast numbers of researchers, technicians, teachers, students and laymen are being exposed to radiation from a wide variety of lasers. The nature of some of the photobiological mechanisms which are responsible for tissue damage are discussed briefly. Laser radiation parameters which influence the degree of danger to ocular tissues are indicated and threshold values are given. The difference between establishing safety criteria and suggesting safety procedures is defined. A brief account of some of the problems that must be solved before safety criteria can be estalished is given and current safety procedures are discussed.