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

ORLANDO -- 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.