|
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio
Attorney General Mike DeWine today offered consumer protection tips ahead of the
August 21 solar eclipse.
“Ohioans of all
ages are intrigued by the upcoming solar eclipse, but safety needs to be a
priority to avoid permanent eye damage,” said Attorney General DeWine. “We want
consumers to be informed before buying solar eclipse glasses.”
The American
Astronomical Society (AAS) warns that it has received reports of fake solar
eclipse glasses being sold. These
glasses do not properly filter the sun’s rays, and, in turn, may damage a
person’s eyes. Previously, glasses with
the seal of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) were
considered safe. While all acceptable
glasses are ISO certified, there is a chance that counterfeit glasses may also
claim to be ISO certified.
Tips for consumers include:
-
Visit aas.org to find a
reputable dealer. The
AAS has a list
available of all merchants and vendors that guarantee their
glasses will block enough light during the eclipse event to prevent injury.
All companies on this site sell products that have been certified safe by
the authorities.
-
Call your local library. Over 2 million eclipse glasses were sent to
local libraries for distribution and for eclipse viewing events. Call your
local library to see if they have viewing events planned where glasses would
be available, or click here to see if your library is a
participating location.
-
If you’ve already obtained solar eclipse glasses, test
them prior to the eclipse. According
to the AAS, you shouldn’t be able to see anything except the sun itself
with proper solar eclipse glasses. Be extremely cautious if you can see
other lights or normal brightness through the glasses, especially if you’re
not sure they were obtained through a reputable merchant or vendor. Also,
inspect your glasses for pinholes or tears prior to use.
-
Do not use homemade products or ordinary sunglasses. Simply using a pair of sunglasses or stacking multiple
pairs of glasses on top of one another will not protect your eyes from the
danger of looking at the sun. Regardless of how dark the shades, the AAS
says they will “transmit many thousands of times too much sunlight.”
-
Do not use a solar filter without first seeking advice
from an astronomer. You
may want to attach a filter to the front of your camera, binoculars, or
telescope, but get expert advice before using them to view the solar
eclipse.
Consumers who need
help addressing a consumer problem or question should contact the Ohio Attorney
General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
–30–
| 
