Principles of CO2/erbium laser safety.
BACKGROUND
There are a variety of potential hazards with laser technology.


METHODS
A review of the literature.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize the potential hazards of CO2 and erbium laser technologies and the safety guidelines and equipment developed to minimize them.


RESULTS
Laser hazards can be divided into the following categories: mechanical, environmental, macrobiologic, microbiologic, and iatrogenic.


CONCLUSIONS
At the conclusion of this learning activity, the reader should be able to discuss the mechanical, environmental, macrobiologic, microbiologic, and iatrogenic hazards of resurfacing laser technology, the literature cited to support current safety guidelines, and the equipment developed to promote laser safety.
Fader
D J
DJ
Department of Dermatology and Otolaryngology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Ratner
D
D
D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012449:Safety