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Counterfeit Eclipse Glasses Warning Issued by New Jersey Library
A concerning discovery has prompted the Moorestown Library in New Jersey to issue an urgent public statement regarding the solar eclipse glasses it distributed to patrons. The library revealed that the glasses may in fact be counterfeit and not safe for use during the solar eclipse that recently occurred on April 8th.
According to the alert posted by the Moorestown Library on Facebook, the solar eclipse glasses were purchased from Walmart.com and were labeled as being manufactured by Medical King, an approved brand by the American Astronomical Society. However, further investigation by the library suggested that the glasses may be fake, potentially putting individuals at risk of eye damage if used.
This unsettling revelation led the library to caution people against wearing the questionable eclipse glasses and to express regret for the oversight. In a comment left on the Facebook post, a concerned individual mentioned considering having their glasses tested for safety, only to find out that it would cost a significant amount of money.
Safety Concerns During the Solar Eclipse
The solar eclipse that graced the skies over North America on April 8th drew the attention of millions of spectators in various cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Despite the awe-inspiring nature of the event, it’s crucial to highlight the potential risks associated with viewing a solar eclipse without adequate eye protection.
Experts have warned that gazing directly at the Sun during an eclipse can lead to irreversible harm to the retina, emphasizing the importance of using genuine eclipse glasses to safeguard one’s vision during such an event. The difficulty in distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit eclipse glasses only adds to the challenge faced by consumers seeking to protect their eyes.
Related: Fake or Safe? How to Ensure Your Solar Eclipse Glasses Are Real
Earlier warnings issued by the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force shed light on the presence of counterfeit eclipse glasses in the market, falsely claiming to be from reputable manufacturers. This alarming trend has prompted organizations like the Illinois Department of Public Health to issue recalls for eclipse glasses sold on platforms like Amazon and in retail stores.
Following the conclusion of the recent solar eclipse, reports surfaced of individuals experiencing eye discomfort and pain, prompting a surge in online searches related to eye issues. The potential consequences of improper eye protection during an eclipse were underscored by approximately 100 cases of eclipse-related retinopathy after the 2017 event.
While the exact number of individuals affected by the recent solar eclipse remains unknown, the importance of using genuine, certified eclipse glasses cannot be overstated to prevent eye injuries and ensure safe viewing of future astronomical phenomena.
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