Iria

The Australian state of New South Wales has banned laser pointers after a rash of "attacks" on airliners in which several pilots have been temporarily blinded. The new law requires jail terms of up to 14 years for anyone carrying them without a permit.
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Source: SNAFU-ed

Matth

Unless the pointer device is way above sane power levels for normal use, surely the range would be such that the beam would lose most of its power.

Maybe there is more to this, as there is a big difference between a typical "laser pointer" and something from the likes of these guys - Green Laser Pointer from Wicked Lasers. - some crazy power levels there that should not be handled without safety goggles.

PS. Must admit, a friend and I have somewhat recklessly fired a 5mW red HeNe tube laser across the street, though being careful not to aim at/into anything or anyone.

Not sure what was more hazardous, that or the mains multiplier PSU we built to power the beast.

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Mary had a little lamb,
Her father shot it dead
Now Mary takes her lamb to school,
Between two crusts of bread