http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_pointer
Regulations and misuse
Since laser pointers became readily available, they have been misused, leading to the development of laws and regulations specifically addressing use of such lasers. Their very long range makes it difficult to find the source of a laser spot. In some circumstances they make people fear they are being targeted by weapons, as they are indistinguishable from dot type laser reticles. The very bright, small, spot makes it possible to dazzle and distract drivers and aircraft pilots, and they can be dangerous to sight if aimed at the eyes.
In January 2005, a New Jersey man was arrested for pointing a green laser pointer at a small jet flying overhead.[13]
In 2008, laser pointers were aimed at player's eyes in a number of sport matches worldwide. Olympique Lyonnais was fined by UEFA because of a laser pointer beam aimed by a Lyon fan at Cristiano Ronaldo[14]. In a World Cup final qualifier match held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between the home team and the South Korean team, South Korean goalkeeper Lee Woon-Jae was zapped in the eye with a green laser beam while defending against a direct free kick[15].
Despite legislation limiting the output of laser pointers in some countries (such as the United States and Australia), higher-power devices are currently produced in other regions (especially China and Hong Kong), and are frequently imported by customers who purchase them directly via internet mail order. The legality of such transactions is not always clear; typically, the lasers are sold as research or OEM devices (which are not subject to the same power restrictions), with a disclaimer that they are not to be used as pointers. DIY videos are also often posted on Internet video sharing sites like YouTube which explain how to make a high-power laser pointer using the diode from an optical disc burner. As the popularity of these devices increased, manufacturers (primarily Chinese) began manufacturing similar high powered pointers. The US FDA has published a warning on the dangers of such high powered lasers.[16] Despite the disclaimers, such Lasers are frequently sold in packaging resembling that for laser pointers. Lasers of this type may not include safety features sometimes found on laser modules sold for research purposes.
Australia
In April 2008, following a series of coordinated attacks on passenger jets in Sydney, the Australian government announced that it would restrict the sale and importation of certain laser items. The government has yet to determine which classes of laser pointers to ban.[17] After some debate, Australian government voted to issue a nationwide ban on importing of lasers that emit a beam stronger than 1 mW, which was effective on July 1, 2008. Those whose professions require the user of a laser can apply for an exemption.[18]
In Victoria, the importation, sale, manufacture, possession and use of laser pointers with an accessible emission limit greater than 1mW is prohibited.[19] In Western Australia, regulatory changes have classified laser pointers as controlled weapons and demonstration of a lawful reason for possession is required.[20]Also The State Government has banned as of 2000 the manufacture, sale and possession of laser pointers higher than class 2.[21] In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, the product safety standard for laser pointers prescribes that they must be a Class 1 or a Class 2 laser product.[22][23]
Canada
No regulations controlling the importation and sale of laser pointers have been established in Canada to date,[24] except for the federal regulation that manufacturers comply with the Radiation Emitting Devices Act. As of November 2008 only one person has been charged under the federal Aeronautics Act, which carries a maximum penalty is $100,000 and five years in prison, for attempting to blind a pilot with a laser. Other charges that could be laid include mischief and assault.[25]
Netherlands
Since 1998, the allowed class for laser pointers has been 2; before 1998, class 3a was allowed.[26]
United Kingdom
UK and most of Europe are now harmonized on Class 2 (<1mW) for General presentation use laser pointers or laser pens. There are no specific UK laws relating to laser pointers however Health and Safety regulation insists on use of Class 2 anywhere the public can come in contact with laser light [27]
United States
Laser pointers are Class II or Class IIIa devices, with output beam power less than 5 milliwatts (<5mW). According to FDA regulations, more powerful lasers may not be sold or promoted as laser pointers.[28] Also, any laser with class higher than IIIa (more than 5 milliwatts) requires a key-switch interlock and other safety features.[29]
All laser products offered in commerce in the US must be registered with the US FDA, regardless of output power.[30]
In Utah it is a class C misdemeanor to point a laser pointer at a law enforcement officer and is an infraction to point a laser pointer at a moving vehicle.[31]
