As early as 1968 MacKeen et al [1] suggested that toxic hazards may be associated with the manufacture and operation of lasers. This warning apparently was left without much further study until 1976 when in a final report for a NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety Health, USA)-sponsored study, Rockwell et al concluded that hazardous Organic by-products were produced when several plastics were cut with a low power CO2 laser. The decomposition products from laser-cutting of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), for example, included benzene, toluene, styrene, and naphthalene, all of which are aromatic compounds. Benzene and other aromatic compounds are classified as potential carcinogens.

Topics
Laser materials processing, Laser cutting, Heterocyclic compounds, Polymers, Chemical compounds
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1991
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