Hazard potential of applying lasers and other optical radiation sources to human skin

URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-201703087403

The range of laser applications for purely aesthetic and cosmetic purposes has increased significantly in recent years. In addition, various other optical sources of radiation with similar effects on human skin have been developed. Like lasers, these devices are being used to an increasing extent for applications without any medical indication, and by personnel without proper training. However, in order to avoid damage and side effects for the people treated, the operator must be fully proficient in terms of technical skills and specialized knowledge.
The recommendation by the German Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) presented here takes new technical developments into account and reassesses the risks of their application to humans. It updates the recommendation "Risks in applying laser radiation to human skin" dating from the year 2000 from this particular angle and it refers solely to aesthetic and cosmetic applications, yet not to medical applications.
The SSK does not make any recommendations as to which profession may use lasers and other optical radiation sources with similar effects for cosmetic/aesthetic purposes. This decision must be left to the legislator. However, the SSK provides its technical and scientific findings on these devices and the risks involved in using them in order to facilitate the decision-making process. In addition, the SSK recommends specific training requirements to be met by those using these devices on humans.