Experts warn against supposedly certified eclipse glasses that are not really certified and that can be found in Marketplace, Amazon… and even at Canadian Tire.
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“I would think twice [avant d’acheter ces lunettes]compared to more expensive, but better identified products,” explains Ralph Chou, professor emeritus in the Faculty of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario.
Less than two weeks before the solar eclipse which will cast its shadow over southern Quebec, many individuals and stores have started selling eclipse glasses.
In Marketplace, The newspaper has identified several individuals who appear to be offering simple sunglasses claiming they are eclipse glasses.
A pair resembling ordinary smoked worms, presented by a seller in Mascouche as “solar eclipse glasses”.
Facebook – Marketplace screenshot
However, to be safe, filters must comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard.
- What damage can the eclipse cause to your eyes? Listen to the interview with Dr. Langis Michaud to find out via QUB :
Some products mention this standard, but strangely, do not comply with the labeling rules required by this certification.
A pair of glasses purchased Monday in a Canadian Tire store in Longueuil. The interior inscriptions do not mention the name of the manufacturer.
Photo Dominique Scali
“Made in China”, but still?
The newspaper was, for example, able to obtain a model from an uncertain source in a Canadian Tire store in Longueuil on Monday.
The pair purchased for $3.99 displays the words “made in China” as well as the ISO 12312-2 standard, without specifying the name of the manufacturer.
“It’s almost like telling us: we believe this is a safe product. But you have to take their word for it,” summarizes Mr. Chou.
Above, the inside of a pair purchased at Canadian Tire where some important information is omitted. Below, the inside of a pair from the approved Celestron brand, which provides much more information about where the filter comes from and how it’s used.
Photo Dominique Scali
To meet international standards, eyewear labeling must contain the name and location of the manufacturer, the organization that tested the product as well as instructions on use, among other things.
Mr. Chou, who practiced as an optometrist and has a background in astronomy, is well placed to speak on this subject: he himself was at the head of the team that wrote the ISO 12312-2 standard.
“Pollute the market”
In some cases, fraudsters go so far as to use the name and appearance of products from certified manufacturers, denounced the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in a press release on March 22.
“False or counterfeit eclipse glasses are polluting the market,” we worry.
This is why it is preferable to buy glasses produced by manufacturers listed on the AAS site, but also from sellers listed on the EclipseQuébec site.
Nearly a week after our initial request, Canadian Tire’s media relations department responded to the Newspaper having “examined supporting documentation” from its suppliers and that the glasses sold “have been independently tested by a third-party laboratory”.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY GLASSES ARE COMPLIANT?
THE INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE FOUND INSIDE
- The name and location of the manufacturer
- The name of the organization that tested the product
- Instructions on use
- A warning not to look at the sun without adequate protection
- Maintenance and conservation advice