Green laser pointers actually represent a great danger and the current regulations are insufficient, recognizes the Federal Council. But according to him, the high power laser pointer are not quite assimilable to weapons, it is better to solve the problem within the framework of the new law on the protection of public health against non-ionizing radiation.

The text should ban the manufacture and import of red laser pointer over 5 mW, the executive said. If necessary, it will regulate less powerful lasers (from 0.4 to 1 mW). Possession of dangerous ultra-powerful lasers will not necessarily be prohibited: the matter is currently "being clarified".

The development of the project took a little longer than expected because it is not limited only to dangerous laser pointers, but also provides for measures concerning other products involving non-ionizing radiation and sound, the Federal Council still responds. to State Councilor Anita Fetz (PS / BS)

Watch out for children

Last January, doctors at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina cautioned in JAMA Ophthalmology: High-power laser pointers, which are offered on the Internet, should never be aimed at the eyes and should never be aimed at the eyes. not be used in the presence of children.

Doctors take as an example the case of a 9-year-old child who recently went to the emergency room after looking directly at a laser being operated by an adult near him. Since the laser pointer 5000mw is category 4, the doctors observed severe loss of bilateral vision. Fortunately, the child finally regained his sight after two months.

LEGAL. According to a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, most powerful 10000mw blue lasers used are illegal: only 26% fall within the standard. Which is extremely little ...