TORONTO – Transport Canada reports have confirmed that pilots are being hit by laser pointers more than ever with incidents rising over 25 per cent from 2010 to 2011.
According to Transport Canada, there were 183 incidents in 2010, and 229 in 2011.
In April, a 20-year-old Ontario woman was charged with pointing a laser at a police officer operating a helicopter.
The incident happened just before 8p.m. on April 21 as the low-flying vehicle was helping officers investigate a mischief incident on Victoria Street in Uxbridge.
The woman was charged with mischief endangering life, assault with a weapon, common nuisance, and projecting a bright light at air source under the Canadian Aviation Act.
Laser pointers can cause serious vision damage to the unprotected eye if used improperly.
Health Canada says looking directly into a beam from a laser for even a fraction of a second could cause permanent eye damage, depending on the power of the beam.
Damage levels will increase if the laser beam is projected through a piece of optical equipment, like a telescope or binoculars.
In these situations, the laser beam could actually burn a tiny spot, or cut open a blood vessel, on the retina at the back of the eye. In a worst-case scenario, the person could go blind.
Health Canada offers these basic tips for consumers when using these devices.
•When buying a laser pointer, choose one that has a clear warning on the label.
•Carefully read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions on the product packaging.
•Never point a laser beam at anyone, and never look directly into the beam yourself.
•Never aim a laser pointer at surfaces that would reflect the light back, like mirrors or mirrored surfaces.
•Never leave a laser pointer within the reach of children.
Health Canada regulates laser devices under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act and theRadiation Emitting Devices Regulations. The Act and Regulations help ensure that laser devices sold in Canada are safe when used by Canadian consumers for their specified purposes and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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