Laser pointers

Does anyone have references or thoughts with regard to the possible
longterm impacts of regularly using laser pointers (the small hand
held type used to indicate points of interest on a screen when
giving a slide presentation) to highlight areas of interest on works
of art?

I have a client who has a number of gallery docents that use these
handy gadgets to help them give presentations to the visiting
public.  They use them to point out details on objects that are out
of close reach.  The materials being subjected to such use are
mostly oil paintings and painted stone surfaces, and a few textiles.

Many thanks and Seasons Greetings to all,

Claire Dean
Dean & Associates Conservation Services
3438 NE 62nd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97213

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:57
                 Distributed: Friday, December 13, 1996
                       Message Id: cdl-10-57-006
                                  ***