Updated 08/05/2012 04:18 PM
Schumer Asks FDA To Make Warning Labels About Laser Pointer Misuse
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Following a number of incidents where high-powered lasers were used to distract pilots, Senator Charles Schumer wants a crackdown on the misuse of laser pointers.
In a letter to the Food and Drug Administration, Schumer is calling for warning labels reminding users that pointing lasers at airplanes is a crime.
He also wants most pointers sold at a lower strength and for online sales of the more powerful lasers to be restricted.
"According to the FAA, while there were only 238 incidents of lasers being shined in pilots' eyes in 2005. In 2011, there were 3,500 — [about] 10 a day. And if we do nothing it's only a matter of time before there's a fatal accident," said Schumer.
Schumer said the lasers have been used to disrupt pilots taking off from almost a mile away.