ABSTRACT
Laser technology is becoming increasingly important in the current struggle against pollution. Lasers can be used not only in the analytical laboratories but also in the field where pollution is active or suspected. Raman scattering technique may be used also in field analyses of air pollution. In the section on Safety, the toxic materials of laser metalworking and of laser plastic cutting will be detailed in the portion on respiratory hazards from laser work. Since lasers are used in studies of pollution, there should be some knowledge of what happens to the ubiquitous pollutant itself on impact of the laser, especially high output lasers. When toxic metals, such as beryllium, are used, then the exhaust systems must be developed to avoid environmental pollution. Laser Raman spectroscopy is very important and will become even more so for environmental pollution.
