Laser pointers trigger debate on safety

by Shanna Lynn Fanelli staff writer

Laser pointers. Perhaps, even as you read these words, your fingers are wrapped around one of those pin-point beam projectors.

What your fingers are grasping could get you in big trouble in junior and senior high schools all over the country. These pointers, most commonly found in the shape of pens, can shoot a beam of laser light from 100 to 1,000 yards.

While Cabrini College has no policy concerning the laser pens, they are the cause of immediate suspension from district schools if pointed in class.

Laser pointers are approved by the Federal Drug Administration and come in an assortment of colors that range from red, blue, silver, mauve, black and green.

They function with battery assistance and can hold a continuous beam for up to 45 minutes straight before the dime-sized battery gives out.

Pens are not the only form of pointers that house the laser lights. Shapes boasting stars, squares, triangles and circles offer a different appeal. There are even laser pointers that combine different specialties such as a key chain, pen, timer, clock and an optional special childproof control safety device.

The issue of whether or not the ical Building say that damage is unlikely laser pens can be damaging or dangerous is a source of some serious split decisions. There are warnings on the lasers that strongly suggest not to shine the light directly in the eyes.

''There is such a vast variety of lasers," Dr. Thomas H. Dodds, an ophthalmologist at Lankenau Hospital, said. "We use the laser pens in our lectures and presentations to highlight notes."

According to the warnings, the laser effects can create the same kind of damage that staring directly into the sun's rays can produce, which can cause serious damage to the retina. Despite these warnings, professionals at the ophthalmologist services at the Lankenau Med-

Doctors are not the only ones who have found a use for the laser pens. Bouncers at clubs use the lights to single out troublemakers and some pet owners use the dots the beams create to train their pets to chase the light.

The pens have not only been the cause of a big trend for teens and adult "kids," but were also featured on an episode of Seinfeld, where one character, George Costanza, was harassed by a laserlight-happy man.

A Seinfeld situation may bring an amused smile to a face, but the reality of laserlight usage is hardly worth cracking up over. Besides being flicked in class rooms, movie theaters and even restaurants, other creative uses have sprung up, such as pointing the light at people and using the beam to highlight certain body parts.

"I just don't like them," Colleen Gallagher, a sophomore, said.

While the laser pen craze has been an aggravating crusade to some and an amusing new hobby for others, that tide may change as the novelty begins to wear off.

''Too many people are getting them," Cliff Beckett, a first-year student, said. "I've had mine for about two years. It was fun but now it sucks."

"They're bothersome because you can be talking to someone and suddenly a little red dot appears. The worst part is you don't know who's using them so you can't tell where it's coming from. It's very distracting."

There is still research going on and information about the pens is still being collected. Whether or not the pens really do cause harm is still being discussed.

If this attitude sweeps throughout the population, then laserlight mania may subside. Until t h e n , though, it looks as if the laser-light pens will be pinpomtrng anything at any given time. People's opinions on if they should be allowed on campus are generally non-committal.

"I don't know about them." Desiree Lacey, a senior said.

"As long as you're not being dumb with them or pointing them at butts or stuff, I don't have a problem with them," Justin Christian said.