I work with small appliances and was trying to fix a DVD player. After opening it, I read on a plate to be careful and not remove the plate because it emits radiation. What kind of radiation do DVD players put out? If exposed to an open DVD player, is it a hazard?

DVD players contain lasers, which are considered a Class I product by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This class of laser is generally considered safe since the laser is contained within the product. You should not be concerned about any hazard from this specific product. However, this obviously implies that you do not disassemble the product and stare at the laser directly because, depending on the type of laser, this could cause damage to your eye. For more information you may visit the FDA website.

Orhan Suleiman, MS, PhD

 

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