Environmental Health & Safety

Laboratory Safety Unit

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All exposures to laser light are to be maintained as far below the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) as is practicable. The MPE is the level of laser radiation to which a person may be exposed without hazardous effect or adverse biological changes in the eye or skin. The criteria for MPE for the eye and skin are listed in ANSI Z136.1-2014. The MPE depends on several factors, including the wavelength, exposure duration, and whether the exposure is to the eye or skin. Refer to ANSI Z136.1-2014 Section 8 for information in determining the MPE for any specific situation.

Eye Exposures: The greatest risk in using lasers is eye damage from radiation that the laser emits. The eye tissue most at risk varies based on the wavelength of light the laser is utilizing.

For lasers operating in the visible spectrum, if the eye intercepts the total beam, the radiance at the eye is the same regardless of the distance of the viewer from the source. This is because the exposure at the retina remains the same due to the eye's focusing properties.
Acute exposure of the eye to lasers of certain wavelength and power can cause corneal and/or retinal burns. The cornea is sensitive to far-IR and UV wavelengths. The lens is sensitive to near IR and near UV wavelengths. The retina is sensitive to near IR and visible wavelengths. Invisible IR and UV laser beams are most likely to cause ocular exposures.
Chronic exposure to excessive levels may cause corneal or lenticular opacities (cataracts) or retinal injury.

Acute exposure to high levels of optical radiation may cause a rise in temperature of the skin and result in skin burns. Almost 100% of radiation between 4 and 40mm is absorbed (CO₂ lasers emit at 10.1 mm).
The skin exposure hazard for UV lasers is greater than for others. Chronic exposures to UV wavelengths (290-320 nm) may result in carcinogenesis.

Chemical Exposures: Some lasers require hazardous substances for their operation (i.e., chemical dye, Excimer lasers). Consult Section V.C-F for specific information relating to these materials.
Electrical shock: Most high-power lasers require high voltages that can be lethal. Observe the precautions listed in Section V.A.
Fire hazards: The solvents used in dye lasers may be flammable. High-voltage pulse or flash lamps may cause ignition. Flammable and combustible materials may be ignited by direct beams or specular reflections from high-power, continuous-wave (CW) infrared lasers.

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This page last updated 7/11/2019. Disclaimer.