Radiation-Emitting Products

Frequently Asked Questions About Lasers

What is a laser?


There are many different types of lasers and each uses a different type of laser medium. Common laser media include gases such as argon or a helium and neon mixture, solid crystals such as ruby, and liquid dyes or chemicals. When energy is applied to the laser medium, it becomes excited and releases energy as particles of light (photons).

A pair of mirrors at either end of the sealed tube either reflects or transmits the light (see illustration below) in the form of a concentrated stream called a laser beam. Each laser medium produces a beam of a unique wavelength and color.


Graphic of a laser which shows the sealed tube with laser medium, mirror that both reflects and transmits, the laser beam and a mirror that totally reflects

What are lasers used for?


Why are lasers uniquely hazardous?

Two characteristics of laser light contribute to the hazard:


What do you mean by laser “radiation?” Does it go through the body or cause cancer?


Are all lasers legal for consumer use?

No. Some lasers are strictly for use by medical, industrial, or entertainment professionals and should only be used by a person with appropriate training and licenses.

The FDA requires labels on most laser products that contain a warning about the laser radiation and other hazards, and a statement certifying that the laser complies with FDA safety regulations. The label must also state the power output and the hazard class of the product. Consumer laser products are generally in classes I, II, and IIIa, while lasers for professional use may be in classes IIIb and IV.

What do the different classifications of lasers mean?

Laser Hazard Classes


Class FDAClass IECLaser Product HazardProduct Examples
  • laser printers
  • CD players
  • DVD players
  • bar code scanners
  • laser pointers
  • laser light show projectors
  • industrial lasers
  • research lasers
  • laser light show projectors
  • industrial lasers
  • research lasers
  • lasers used to perform LASIK eye surgery

What are laser pointers?

Laser pointers are tools used for pointing out objects or locations, and are defined as "surveying, leveling, and alignment laser products" in an FDA regulation. They are commonly used during lectures and astronomy presentations, and laser pointers incorporated into spirit levels and hand tools are also very popular. In recent years laser pointers have become readily available, and are commonly sold in hardware, pet, hobby, and office supply stores.

Are laser pointers safe?

When used properly lasers pointers pose minimal risk if they meet laser power limits. Laser pointers are misused when they are directed at the eyes or treated as toys. The light energy from a laser pointer aimed into the eye can be more damaging than looking directly into the sun. In addition, the startling effect of a bright beam of light aimed at someone driving a car or operating other machinery can cause serious accidents.

The FDA is concerned about the increased availability of a variety of laser products that may be used unsafely. Green, blue and violet laser pointers have the agency particularly concerned. While there are legitimate uses for these laser pointers, they may be altered to become more powerful and unsafe if not used responsibly.

Is the brightness of the laser light a good indicator of its power and eye hazard?

No. Never assume the color brightness of a laser beam indicates its power.  In lighted conditions (indoors or outdoors), a beam from a powerful laser can appear to be the same brightness or dimmer than the beam of a less powerful laser. For example in the photo below, the green laser beam appears much brighter than the red and far brighter than the blue.  These are actually equally powered lasers and all three present the same eye hazard from looking into the beam. If you see a bright blue or violet laser beam with brightness similar to a green laser, you can safely assume that the blue/violet laser light is far more powerful and looking directly into the beam will cause severe and immediate eye damage.

As a rule, you should never look directly into any laser beam.

The pictures shows three colored laser beams against a black background. The colored laser beams are from left, green, red, and a violet/blue color.

What is the proper use of a laser pointer?

Remember, laser pointers are not toys and they should only be used by an adult, or with adult supervision.

  • Never aim or shine a laser pointer at anyone.
  • Do not buy laser pointers for your children. Lasers are not toys.
    • the manufacturer or distributor's name and the date of manufacture
    • a warning to avoid exposure to laser radiation

What is FDA’s role in regulating lasers?

The FDA regulates both medical and non-medical lasers. The FDA may inspect manufacturers of laser products and require the recall of products that don't comply with federal standards or that have radiation safety defects. The agency also may test laser products and inspect displays of laser light shows to ensure the public is protected. Producers of laser light shows are required to tell the FDA where they are planning a show so that the agency can inspect it if possible and take action if required.

FDA is currently working to identify manufacturers of overpowered green laser pointers and other illegal lasers, and is taking action to prevent these unsafe products from being sold in the United States.

Where can I get more information?

If you have questions about a laser product you are considering purchasing or offering for sale on the Internet, contact the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health at (301) 796-5710.

To report Web sites that you suspect are illegally selling laser products, follow the instructions at Reporting Unlawful Sales of Medical Products on the Internet.

Page Last Updated: 03/07/2018