UV Lights at ApeFest Caused Vision Loss and Skin Issues
Last week, at least 15 attendees of Yuga Labs’ ApeFest event in Hong Kong reported vision loss, eye pain, and skin issues, which were likely caused by UV lights, the NFT conglomerate confirmed. The issues were reported after the free event for Bored and Mutant Ape Yacht Club owners on November 4.
In a Twitter post, Yuga’s Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) account confirmed that “UV-A emitting lights installed in one corner of the event was likely the cause of the reported issues.” This determination followed a joint investigation with Jack Morton Worldwide, the agency that produced ApeFest.
On Sunday, November 5, Yuga Labs began to receive reports that some ApeFest attendees and staff experienced eye pain, vision issues, or skin irritation following the Saturday night community event. These reports were – and continue to be – deeply concerning to us. We immediately…
— Bored Ape Yacht Club (@BoredApeYC) November 9, 2023
The Dangers of UVA Lights
UVA is a UV wavelength range accounting for around 95% of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. According to the World Health Organization, UV light exposure can potentially increase the risk of eye problems. UVA lights are commonly used for different purposes depending on their wavelength.
The BAYC did not disclose specific details about the kind of UVA lights used at ApeFest but encourages those with symptoms to seek medical help and notify them of their exposure to UVA lights.
Response from BAYC
The NFT project said it encourages those with symptoms to seek medical help and notify of their exposure to UVA lights. It also requested those impacted to message them on Twitter.
“We are saddened that this incident has detracted from the experience of ApeFest attendees,” the project wrote. “We are committed to supporting the recovery of anyone affected.”
Hot Take: Safety First at Events
It’s essential for event organizers to prioritize safety when planning events. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with certain types of lighting and highlights the importance of thorough safety inspections before events.
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