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Health Warning Information
Color Blindness
The small percentage of the population (0.01%) that have blue-yellow colour blindness (trita-
nopia) may struggle to see the Emblaser 2 indicator lights and may not realise the laser sys-
tem is 'enabled'. Tritanopic users must therefore be particularly careful.
Hypersensitivity
Isocyanate exposure from thermally degraded polyurethanes has the potential to cause hy-
persensitivity to develop over time in predisposed individuals, which can lead to subsequent
life threatening asthma like reactions on re-exposure to even trace amounts.
Recommendations:
Those with a history of asthma should avoid laser cutting polyurethanes.
If a wheeze develops during or after cutting polyurethanes in any user, further polyurethane
cutting should cease and medical advice should be sought.
Isocyanate by products from decomposition of polyurethanes can remain in exhaust ducting
and can still cause sensitisation with skin contact.
If you get a sore throat or eyes while laser cutting polyurethanes, you have developed isocya-
nate pharyngitis and your precautions are not working effectively.
Airway Irritation
Many of the chemicals liberated by laser cutting and engraving have the potential to cause
airway irritation, but few, if any, permanent effects. Some of the chemicals are known carcino-
gens, but with appropriate local or general exhaust ventilation, exposures are unlikely to add
significantly to background environmental exposures (i.e. formaldehyde from MDF furniture,
benzene in fuels).
If you are experiencing airway irritation, your ventilation is not adequate.
Exposure to fumes from laser cutting
The heating which occurs during laser cutting or engraving can cause charring, pyrolysis and
even combustion of the material being worked on.
Exposure to the fumes and particulates released during laser engraving or cutting can cause
irritation to the airways and potentially be extremely dangerous.
For example, exposure to Isocyanate from thermally degraded polyurethanes has the poten-
tial to cause hypersensitivity to develop over time in predisposed individuals, which can lead
to subsequent life threatening asthma like reactions on re-exposure to even trace amounts.
Important: See Appendix for information on chemical reactions with various materials during
laser cutting and engraving. Always research the material you plan to work with to ensure it is
safe to do so.
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