Laser and Safety from Laser Beams

A laser is an intense and amplified beam of light that is used in many applications. The use of lasers in medicine, astronomy, industries, defense, information technology, and oceanography is common and known to many people. The use of lasers in eye treatment, especially the technique of LASIK in eye surgery, shows the successful use of lasers in many fields. However, along with so many outstanding benefits, the intense beam of visible or invisible light also brings many complications while handling laser beams. Several harms and damages are associated with the use of laser beams. Skin injuries and eye defects are common complications caused by laser beams. If proper shielding and safety protocols are not followed, a laser can bring many harms ranging from minor skin irritations to blindness of the eyes. This chapter reports the benefits as well as harms and hazards associated with the use of laser beams. A detailed description of the harms associated with various classes of lasers is provided here. For the safe use of a laser beam, it is important to follow the established rules and regulations. A detailed description and discussion of the hazards associated with the use of laser beams, rules to be followed while using a laser beam, and laser emergency protocols are reported here. 

Keywords: Benefits, Hazards, Laser, Laser safety, Laser types, Regulations.