Beware of Counterfeit Solar Eclipse Glasses Sold in the US
As the highly anticipated solar eclipse approaches, the American Astronomical Society is warning consumers about the dangers of counterfeit solar eclipse glasses being sold in the US. These fake glasses, mostly made in China, pose a serious risk to users as they are not adequately dark enough to protect their eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.
Legitimate solar eclipse glasses should be at least 1,000 times darker than regular sunglasses and must have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification. Users should only be able to see a faint reflection of the Sun off a shiny surface when wearing the glasses. Unfortunately, counterfeit glasses do not meet these safety standards and could potentially lead to impaired vision or even permanent blindness.
While some counterfeit glasses have been found to effectively block harmful UV, visible, and infrared light, the risk of using them still outweighs the benefits. In response to this issue, New York State is taking action by offering free solar eclipse glasses at city libraries, Moynihan Train Station, and along the Thruway to ensure that residents have access to safe eyewear.
New York Attorney General Letitia James is emphasizing the importance of using legitimate and safe glasses to view the eclipse in order to avoid serious eye injury. It is crucial for consumers to be vigilant and only use glasses that meet the necessary safety standards to protect their vision during this rare celestial event. Stay safe and enjoy the solar eclipse with the right protective eyewear.
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