There are two FCC classes for plasma televisions: A & B.  "A" seems to
be commercial and "B" residential.  What is the meaningful difference
between these two classes and, more importantly, is it SAFE to use a
class A set in a home?  WIll I fry my kids, or burn out our eyes?

Hello there

Yes there are two classes as you have mentioned but you should not be
overly worried about using the "commercial" class in your home as far
as safety is concerned.  In fact, the class issue is not related to
safety at all.

The FCC has stringent rules governing acceptable levels of
electromagnetic emissions that can radiate from televisions and
computers. These rules cover both radiated (into the air) and
conducted (over AC power lines) emissions. The FCC regulates two
separate classes, or levels of electromagnetic emissions for
electronic equipment. Class A covers devices used in business, while
the more stringent Class B covers home electronic products. The goal
of these regulations is keeping electronic equipment from interfering
with stereos, radios, TVs, wireless networks, and other sensitive
electronic devices.

"Class A -- digital device or peripheral that has been tested and
complies with commercial environment limits. Class A equipment
generates radio frequency energy that may cause harmful interference
to radio communications if not properly installed. Class A devices and
peripherals should be promoted for the use in commercial, industrial
or business environments. Such devices and peripherals are not
intended for the home because of its likelihood to cause harmful
interference of radio communicating. Corrective measures would be
required at the owner's expense."

"Class B -- digital device or peripheral that has been tested and
complies with residential environment limits. Class B equipment
generates radio frequency energy that may cause harmful interference
to radio communications if not properly installed. Class B devices and
peripherals should be marketed for use in residential environments.
Such devices are not intended for use in commercial, business and
industrial environments. There is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation." - Class quote from "An
Explanation of Plasma Technology From Plasma USA"
http://www.plasma-usa.com/about_plasma.html

As You can see, the class ratings deal in interference with other
appliances rather than safety issues.  I would recommend you go with
class B for the simple reason that if your TV hinders the reception of
a neighbors TV for example, you might get some help from the
manufacturer at their expense where if you hook up a class A set, all
financial responsibility for interference in another's devices is
definitly yours to carry.

As far as radiation danger, both classes are approved for use in a
human environment and I would not worry that much about it.

All regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations. 
Chapter 15 deals with electronic devices.
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/

Search - google
Terms - FCC classes for plasma televisions, FCC regulations for plasma
televisions

If I may clarify anything before you rate the answer, please ask.

Cheers
digsalot

Great answer.  In depth and fast.