>> A DVD writer LASER module is installed in a torch and used to burst 
>> balloons
>> and ignite match heads.

> Wonderful!
> Curious thing is that my co-worker told me the same story as I came 
> back
> from holidays, and he wanted to try to work it out... !

All the warnings on this page which Brad has mentioned should be noted

        http://www.laserist.org/DVD-laser-caution.htm

Something of that power could easily destroy your sight, or somebody 
else's.
As the page notes:

        Most laser eye injuries happen to the laser experimenter or 
user.
        And it takes only one stray reflection to cause a permanent 
blind spot.

Also

POSSIBLE INVISIBLE BEAM HAZARD  Some laser diodes emit invisible 
infrared (heat) beams. These may be in addition to the visible light, 
or the laser may emit only invisible IR beams. Because you can't see 
the laser dot or beam to avoid it, an invisible beam can be more of an 
eye safety hazard than a visible beam.
     Therefore, if you build any kind of do-it-yourself laser device, 
assume there is a strong, invisible IR beam at first. You can check in 
a number of ways, including using camcorders which can see the IR from 
a TV remote (if they see the remote, they probably will see the laser 
IR beam). You can also use IR-blocking glass, so that only the visible 
beam comes out.


        Russell 

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