Eye Injuries At Moscow Event Appear Caused By Improper Use of Pulsed-Type Laser According...

Eye Injuries At Moscow Event Appear Caused By Improper Use of Pulsed-Type Laser According To International Laser Display Association

ORLANDO--(Business Wire)--
A "pulsed" laser designed for overhead use only was irresponsibly
aimed into the crowd at a July 5 show near Moscow, according to the
International Laser Display Association (ILDA). Russian press reported
that approximately 30 attendees at the Aquamarine 4 Open Air Festival
were said to have eye injuries from the incident.

"From video of the event, it appears that a pulsed laser was used
in a completely unapproved way," said Patrick Murphy, Executive
Director of ILDA. "It was shocking to us - any competent laser
operator should know to never direct a pulsed beam towards an
audience. Our deepest sympathies go out to those who were injured.
Some later press accounts indicate that the injuries may not be as
severe or long-term as was first reported. Nevertheless, it never
should have happened in the first place."

Pulsed lasers are most frequently used for medical and industrial
applications. While the beam may look continuous to the eye, it
actually consists of light emitted in short, rapid and powerful
bursts. Each 250 billionth of a second burst contains about 100 times
more energy than light from an equivalent continuous wave laser. Laser
shows have been popular entertainment for over 40 years. In that time,
there have only been two other reported incidents like the one in
Moscow; both were also due to gross misuse of pulsed lasers.

"The safety record of ILDA and our industry is outstanding," said
Murphy. "We have one Russian ILDA member, and that firm was not
involved in any way with the Aquamarine show."

To help reassure the public that professionally-created shows are
safe, ILDA is taking additional steps to further increase safety,
including requiring its 150 members in 34 countries to reaffirm their
knowledge and commitment to laser safety. Every member will sign a
document saying they have read an ILDA-prepared safety summary, and
that they will not use pulsed lasers for audience scanning. In
addition, ILDA is making available safety documents on its Web site,
for laserists and anyone who wants to learn more.

An ILDA Web page has been set up with more extensive information
about the Aquamarine show incident, and laser safety in general.

Visit http://www.laserist.org/2008-07_Russian-incident.htm.

Roher Public Relations
Phillip Bergman, 914-741-2256, ext. 302
pbergman@roherpr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008