We just bought a green laser pointer on Ebay and had a discussion about the safety. The laser is low end chinese one (5 USD, free shipping :-) ) and the seller says this:
Green Laser Pointer Point Pen 532nm Output power: 5mW (Class IIIb)
the most confusion comes from the "Class IIIB" which, according to Wikipedia should be not safe for common use because it can damage eye even with accidential look or reflection.
However, directly on the pointer is this:
Max power output less than 5mW Wavelegnth 532nm Class III laser product This product complies with 21 CFR 1040
so this looks that it should not be Class IIIB, also because the power is less than 5mW while according to Wikipedia the "B" class should be for 5-200 mW.
I also have a couple of small red keychain lasers which all are the same power output and class.
I do not intend to shine anybody in the eyes but my sister was afraid that there could be potential risk to damage someones eyes with accidential quick exposure (reflection from window in a class or directly from the chalkboard to the class). The green pointer seems to have very intensive light compared to the red ones but it could be a subjective impression caused by the different color.
I think there is rather an incorrect information on the selling page and that the pointer should be safe but I am rather asking to be sure.
thanks