Advice issued as firework championships coincide with eclipse
Plymouth’s Director of Public Health Professor Steve Maddern is worried about families relying on cheap knock-offs
Organisers of next week's British Firework Championships are issuing advice, as the event also coincides with the solar eclipse.
Plymouth is expecting 95 per cent of the sun covered by the moon, early on Wednesday evening - with the celestial event finishing as crowds start to gather on the Hoe.
The team is urging people not to use sunglasses to look directly at the sun, and only buy genuine eclipse glasses, not cheap knock-offs.
Plymouth’s Director of Public Health Professor Steve Maddern said: “We want people to enjoy both the solar eclipse and the fireworks but please do not look directly at the Sun during the eclipse, even if you are wearing sunglasses.
“Ordinary sunglasses – no matter how dark – do not give adequate protection. They may reduce the glare of the sun, but still can allowing harmful solar radiation to reach the retina.
"There are two safe approaches: specialist eclipse viewers or indirect viewing methods. f you want to use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, make sure they are genuine eclipse glasses with specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E).
"Genuine eclipse glasses are available from reputable retailers. Be cautious of products sold online that may not meet this requirement.
"If you're unsure whether a product is certified, don't use it. Don't use eclipse glasses if the lenses are scratched, torn or damaged."