PubMed Health⌕ Search

PubMed · 11692611

[Laser pointer and laser safety standard].

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In recent years, cheap laser pointers have been used as toys for children. The safety of laser pointers has become a public issue. CASES: Many cases of visual disturbance without retinal symptoms were reported, and those might be of a psychogenic nature or due to afterimage effects. However, four cases of macular retinal pigment epithelial disturbances due to radiation of a laser pointer beam were reported. One patient was affected in both eyes because of alternate laser beam radiation to both eyes. The exposure time to the laser beam exceeded 10 seconds. All cases except one were young patients. For the safety, it is important that handheld laser pointers be kept away from children. Toy type laser pointers should be treated as Class 1 laser products according to the Consumer Affairs Council, Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

T Ozawa. 2001. [Laser pointer and laser safety standard].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11692611/

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

Delivering multidisciplinary public health in action - the Cardiff food strategy case study.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing awareness that the provision of healthy food relies on the co-ordinated efforts of a number of diverse disciplines, not merely those traditionally linked with food. This paper documents the development of a food and health strategy, commissioned by the health alliance for the city of Cardiff, and focuses on the areas of sustainability, education and training as well as nutrition, food provision and food safety. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the strategy was to increase the uptake of a healthy, safe and sustainable diet for all those living in Cardiff. METHOD: The methodology included a rapid appraisal of food initiatives operating within the city, establishing a food and health strategy working group and the production of strategy documentation. Multi-agency collaboration and consultation were key components of the approach. RESULTS: As the strategy developed, seven action areas became apparent, including education and training, public sector procurement and rewarding excellence. These action areas were incorporated into seven 'action tables', which constitute the core of the strategy. The food and health strategy document was ratified by the Local Health Alliance board in August 2004. But, far greater benefits were realised as a consequence of setting up the strategy working group. Long before the document was written, the strategy process was operating as 'multidisciplinary public health in action'. CONCLUSION: The network that comprised the food and health strategy working group was already able to commence delivery of a more integrated approach to food and health within Cardiff.

Consumer Product Safety↗

What is known about the safety of multivitamin-multimineral supplements for the generally healthy population? Theoretical basis for harm.

Assessment of the safety of nutrients presents a challenge different from that posed by the assessment of other chemicals in food such as additives or contaminants. Because nutrients are essential, a dose-response relation exists at both ends of the intake range, separated by a safe range of intake that reflects normal homeostatic processes. The safe intake may not be the same for all population groups and life stages. The size of the safe intake range for each nutrient will vary and in a few cases may be very small. Certain nutrients such as vitamin A and manganese have known and potentially serious adverse effects at high intakes, whereas others such as iron or vitamin C may have more minor adverse effects that are readily reversible and may only be associated with supplement intake. The risk of harm occurring from taking dietary supplements will depend on the safe intake range of the nutrient concerned, the susceptibility of the individual, and the likely intake of the same nutrient from other supplements or the rest of the diet. In many cases, the available database for the safety of nutrients is very limited because the studies, where available, were not designed to assess adverse effects but may have detected problems when they occurred. Further information on the safety of nutrients could be obtained through careful experimental design.

Consumer Product Safety↗