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Eric Siegel wrote:
>  ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
>  Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and
>  related institutions.
> 
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>
>
>  Sorry for cross postings
>
>  Does anyone have any experience with using class II lasers in
>  exhibits?  Do they have to be fixed in a way that they can't be
>  looked at directly?
>
>  Eric Siegel Executive VP Programs and Planning NY Hall of Science
>  47-01 111th Street Queens, NY 11368 [log in to unmask] 718 699
>  0005 x 317 www.nyscience.org
>
Class II is very low in output.  I'm not sure if it would be seen well in
most applications at less than 1 milliwatt.  However, if what you have
is Class II, I would still try to shield any visitor from direct radiation.
We know that in litigation, perception often trumps actual science.
The CDRH says that prolonged exposure to Class II may have some
effect.  I don't know that there is research to actually back up that
statement.  But think how it would sound in court.  So, if you can,
I'd let the visitor see the effect of the laser, but not look directly into
a beam.
-- 

Clear DARK Skies,
Jack Dunn - Mueller Planetarium
(who has done laser light shows for over 25 years).

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