In a precautionary move, solar eclipse glasses sold on Amazon and various stores in Illinois and Missouri have been recalled after reportedly failing to meet safety standards. The Illinois Department of Health issued an alert warning about the potentially unsafe glasses that were sold under the name "Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 - CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (6 Packs)" on Amazon and in stores located along the path of totality.

The recalled glasses, labeled as 'EN ISO 12312-1:2022', do not carry the proper safety designation of 12312-2, raising concerns about their efficacy in protecting users' eyes during the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8. Stores that sold these glasses have also issued warnings urging customers not to use them and to check the authenticity of their solar eclipse glasses.

The alarm bells began ringing when the American Astronomical Society (AAS) recently discovered evidence of fake solar glasses infiltrating the market. Specifically, these dangerous counterfeits were found to imitate legitimate frames produced by County Qiwei Craft Co. One identifying feature of fake glasses is their failure to meet the required darkness level, being no darker than regular sunglasses. Authentic solar glasses, on the other hand, should be at least 1,000 times darker than the darkest regular sunglasses, says Rick Fienberg, Project Manager of the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force.

To ensure the legitimacy of solar glasses, users are advised to conduct a simple test. When wearing the glasses on a sunny day, the user should only be able to see faint reflections of the Sun off shiny surfaces or puddles, with no other visible objects. Furthermore, when looking at the Sun, the user should notice a comfortable brightness in shades of white, bluish-white, yellow, or orange, depending on the filter used.

Amazon, addressing the issue, sent out an email to affected customers, stating that the recalled product was not listed among the American Astronomical Society's trusted suppliers of solar eclipse viewers and filters. Refunds for the faulty glasses are expected to be issued to customers.

The New York Attorney General Letitia James joined the discussion, emphasizing the importance of using proper eyewear during a solar eclipse. James stated that there are serious risks associated with not using authentic and safe solar eclipse glasses.

As the eclipse nears and excitement builds, individuals are advised to thoroughly check their solar eclipse glasses for authenticity and safety, ensuring a memorable and safe celestial experience.

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