Worldwide: Warning from Casio about misuse of its laser diodes
WARNING!
Casio America, Inc. (“Casio”) has recently learned that potentially dangerous handheld laser pointer devices are being marketed and sold by Wicked Lasers, Ltd. (and possibly others) that are believed to incorporate laser diodes improperly removed from Casio XJ-A series projectors. Casio has never authorized this unintended and potentially dangerous misuse of the light source component of its XJ-A series Projectors.
Casio specifically instructs and warns purchasers of its XJ-A series projectors that disassembly or modification of the built-in laser module is “very dangerous and should never be attempted,” and would like to take this opportunity to remind the laser enthusiast community of that fact. The unauthorized, unintended and potentially dangerous misuse of the laser diodes improperly removed from Casio XJ-A series projectors for use in these handheld lasers, such as Wicked Lasers’ SPYDER III, may create a substantial risk of fire and injury to users and others. Casio intends to pursue Wicked Lasers and any other companies that violate Casio’s rights by misusing components of its XJ-A projectors or other products to the fullest extent of the law.
At the same time, Casio strongly urges consumers to avoid these unauthorized and potentially dangerous “laser pointers” such as the SPYDER III.
US: Major laser seller adds aircraft warning
WARNING: DO NOT SHINE YOUR LASER AT AN AIRCRAFT
Shooting a laser at an aircraft is considered a felony in the U.S.
The new label is being introduced in September 2009 by Wicked Lasers. They have a significant presence on the Internet, marketing a wide range of lasers for pointing, burning/cutting, and general purpose uses.
Earlier in 2009, Wicked began a major push to ensure compliance with U.S. federal laws for laser products. To their credit, Wicked went beyond current U.S. requirements and also added the warning text about aircraft.
Since LaserPointerSafety.com was founded one year ago, we have urged sellers, distributors and manufacturers to add such labels -- in all countries, not just for U.S. lasers. It is unclear whether Wicked Laser’s new aircraft warning text will be on all their lasers, or just U.S. models. Even if it is just for the U.S., it is an important start.
We want to thank Wicked Lasers for this move. It is the right thing to do, the moral thing to do ... and the smart thing to do, in order to help keep handheld lasers legal in the U.S. and elsewhere.
