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. CONCLUSION: 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.