What Happened at ApeFest?
Over the weekend of November 4th and 5th, the highly anticipated ApeFest in Hong Kong turned into an eye-opening (quite literally) event. Following a groovy community gathering for Bored Ape and Mutant Ape Yacht Club owners, reports surfaced from at least 15 attendees who experienced alarming vision loss, eye pain, and skin issues. Talk about a wild night out!
The Culprit: UV-A Lights
According to Yuga Labs, the masterminds behind this NFT extravaganza, the prime suspect is none other than UV-A emitting lights. The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) took to their social media, confirming that an investigation revealed these lights installed in a specific area of the venue likely caused the reported health woes. It’s important to remember that not all light is right; just because it glows, doesn’t mean it’s good for you!
What Are UV-A Lights Anyway?
UV-A lights, more commonly recognized as blacklights, are versatile in their applications. They’re often employed in tanning beds for sunbathers looking to achieve that golden glow, but they also venture into the club scene to dazzle partygoers. The World Health Organization states that UV-A accounts for about 95% of the UV radiation reaching our planet—so it’s no surprise that exposure can lead to potential eye issues. Next time you’re at a rave, consider those glowing lights; they might not be as friendly as they seem!
Yuga Labs’ Response
In response to the reports, Yuga Labs expressed their deep concern, prompting them to encourage attendees experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. On their social platforms, they even invited anyone impacted by the incident to reach out. However, some eagle-eyed commenters noticed their DMs on social media were switched off. A bit ironic, don’t you think?
Moving Forward: A Lesson Learned
While it’s easy to poke fun at the situation—after all, who knew a digital monkey party could lead to such chaos?—this incident serves as a vital reminder about safety precautions at large events. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Before you let the glow of a blacklight pull you in, make sure your eyes and skin are ready for the ride. Safety first, party later!
