There are three main areas of consideration associated with the fume.
Workplace environment management
Filtering particulate is an important part of a workplace environment management plan (EHS plan)
Laser efficiency
The effects on the laser optics
Product contamination
The effects on the products being lasered
Workplace environment management
LGAC particles generally fall within the respirable range, so addressing filtration of those particulates is an important piece of your overall workplace environment and industrial hygiene program.
Particulate
The particulate generated in most laser applications is sub-micron in size and as such is likely respirable. Employers need to analyze the potential risks of such particulate and manage them accordingly, in line with occupational exposure limits.
Employers, industrial health and safety staff, or experts will develop an overall strategy and plans to address such risks. Filtration of laser particulate is an important part of that overall strategy.
BOFA can assist you in selecting the right products to help you in this aspect of your program.
Gases
Potential problems are usually associated with plastics which give off Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) when lasered, most of which have associated Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL).
The table below covers a range of common plastics and lists the VOCs given off together with their OEL. PVC is worth a special mention in this context since it releases hydrogen chloride and small amounts of phosgene both of which are extremely toxic.
Laser efficiency
The optical system of the laser is susceptible to damage from particulate getting burnt onto the lens which reduces the laser efficiency and on marking applications can effect the quality of the code.
Additionally particulate in the laser beam can refract/reflect the light which diffuses the beam.
Product contamination
Marking applications on open containers are vulnerable to particulate settling in the container which contaminates the product being filled.