Toy Industry Association (TIA) Statement on Lasers in Toys

Recent concern regarding children’s exposure to lasers is due in large part to increases in low-cost, compact laser pointers that are not intended for children’s use. Although adults may use these laser pointers for work, kids might purchase and use them for amusement.

Toys are subject to numerous safety standards, including FDA regulations related to the use of lasers. Most “laser-like” toys on the market employ harmless LED lights to simulate lasers; any toy that uses actual laser technology and falls under current FDA definitions for laser products must comply with FDA rules for low-power lasers.

Parents should ensure that laser products to which their children have access are intended for children’s use.

This statement was reaffirmed by the Toy Industry Association in October 2016.