High-power LEDs pose safety-hazards

The current light emitting diode (LED) safety standards are unsatisfactory in that they are not mandatory in the United States and European standards are not designed for LEDs. The 60825-1:2001 laser standard of the International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) states that wherever the word laser occurs, LED can be substituted. Alternatively, LEDs can be classified under standard S 009/E:2002, titled Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems, issued by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). The latter standard is much narrower in scope than the latter standard. With the unclear specifications of both standards, a concerted attempt to alert users to the possible hazards associated with inappropriate use of LEDs is proposed.