TOY lasers on sale at Friday’s carnival could cause permanent retinal damage, North Somerset Council has warned.
The ‘potentially dangerous’ lasers were part of toy swords on sale before Weston carnival.
The beam, so powerful it can be seen 100m away, can cause damage to eyes if the laser is shone directly into people’s faces.
North Somerset Council Trading Standards confiscated 69 laser toys from six street vendors ahead of the carnival but has asked parents to contact it if they still have one.
Councillor Peter Bryant, executive member with responsibility for trading standards, said: “These toy lasers look like harmless fun but can actually cause serious and permanent damage to the eye.
“Our officers were out making sure that these potentially dangerous items were not available to children and everyone could enjoy the carnival safely.
“If parents have bought these toys for their children they should contact Trading Standards on 01275 888802 and ask for their advice or help in disposing of them safely.”
The toy swords were described as a ‘flashing stick’ with a BL brand logo.
The seized toys had no warning labels or legally required information about power output.
For more information and advice go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/tradingstandards
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