By John O’Hagan

Laser technology and applications sometimes march ahead of laser safety standards. Lasers have been used in the aesthetic industry for many years. The availability of low-cost 808 nm laser diodes has triggered a whole industry of home-use devices for various treatments, such as hair removal (or more correctly hair “management”) and skin rejuvenation. The lasers used are typically Class 3B, but the device is intended to be used in contact with the skin, or at least in very close proximity.

The accessible emission limits (AELs) for the laser classes are intended for eye and skin exposure. However, a number of the manufacturers of the home-use devices have interpreted the AELs as only applying to the eye. Therefore, there are several devices on the market that are considered (incorrectly) to be Class 1. Continue reading →