The Canadian Medical Association Journal is calling for training standards in the laser hair removal business. (iStock)

An editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal calls for minimum training standards for people who work in the laser hair removal business.

The editorial, published Monday, notes that the laser devices used to get rid of unwanted hair must be licensed by Health Canada, but anyone — trained or not — can legally operate the equipment.

Dr. Dianne Kelsall, a co-author of the editorial, says severe adverse effects are not common, but there have been reports of burns, pigment changes, scarring, reactivation of herpes viruses and even growth of unwanted hair. In addition, problems can occur if the eyes aren't properly shielded.

The editorial says Health Canada should set training standards because many harmful effects can be minimized through eye protection, using the correct wavelength for a person's skin and hair type, cooling of the skin during treatment and appropriate care before and after treatment.

The onus is currently on the customer, with Health Canada recommending that anyone considering laser hair removal "be sure that the person who will operate the laser device has the training and experience needed," the editorial said.

In contrast, the United Kingdom requires that operators of laser systems be registered, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that laser machines be marketed as prescription devices, subject to state controls that ensure they're used under the supervision of licensed practitioners.

"To protect the public, provinces and territories should license both clinics and operators and establish standardized training programs for both novice and experienced operators of laser hair removal devices," the editorial states.