Citation

Pierce JS, Lacey SE, Lippert JF, Lopez R, Franke JE, Colvard MD. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2011; 53(11): 1302-1309.

Affiliation

School of Public Health (Drs Pierce, Lacey, Franke; Ms. Lippert and Mr. Lopez), Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, and College of Dentistry (Dr Colvard), Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Services, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0b013e318236399e

PMID

22027542

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: Occupational hazards associated with medical laser applications remain poorly understood and uncharacterized. METHODS:: A literature search was performed using PubMed, and all articles relevant to beam and nonbeam medical laser hazards were reviewed. The Rockwell Laser Industries Laser Accident Database was searched for medical laser injuries and abstracted. RESULTS:: Eye injuries, skin burns, injuries related to the onset of fires, and electric shock have been reported in relation to medical laser use. It is probable that both acute and chronic health effects have been experienced by medical personnel as the result of exposure to laser generated air contaminants. CONCLUSIONS:: Because of the clinical benefits they provide, the growth of laser technologies and applications are anticipated to result in an increase in the number and type of medical personnel with future exposure to laser hazards.

Language: en