A variety of materials are used as dyes in laser systems, but often very little is known about each dye’s toxicity or mutagenicity/carcinogenicity. As a precaution, we have devised guidelines for handling these materials. We studied the literature to determine the hazards associated with various common laser dye solutions, taking into account the possible toxicity and mutagenicity/carcinogenicity of the solvent used. Working from this information, we have proposed three control classes: limited, moderate, and strict, for work performed with dyes in each class. This paper describes the considerations that went into preparing our guidelines and summarizes the precautions themselves.

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© 1991 Laser Institute of America.
1991
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