Several individuals who attended the ApeFest event in Hong Kong, a Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection event that took place from November 3rd-5th, have reported experiencing eye pain, vision problems, and sunburnt skin. This has raised concerns and speculation about the cause of these health issues and the potential negligence in regard to lighting at the event.
One individual who sought medical attention after attending ApeFest reported being diagnosed with Photokeratitis, also known as “welder’s eye.” This condition is caused by unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Another attendee attributed their symptoms to UV radiation from the stage lights. These incidents have led to speculation that improper lighting used at the event may have been the cause of these health issues.
@CryptoJune777 described their distressing experience on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I woke up at 04:00 and couldn’t see anymore. Had so much pain and my whole skin is burned. Needed to go to the hospital.” This account highlights the severity of the symptoms experienced by some attendees and the need for further investigation into the potential lighting issue.
Yuga Labs, the blockchain company behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT project, has acknowledged the situation and is taking the reports seriously. Emily Kitts, a spokesperson for Yuga Labs, stated, “We are actively reaching out and in touch with those affected to better understand the root cause.” While the company has not disclosed the exact number of individuals affected, it estimates that the percentage is less than 1% of the event’s attendees and staff.
Interestingly, similar symptoms were reported by partygoers in 2017 who attended a Hypebeast event at The Landmark commercial complex in Hong Kong. It was later discovered that lighting used primarily for disinfection purposes had been installed at the venue. However, it should be noted that The Landmark venue was not associated with the ApeFest event, and the two incidents appear to be unrelated.
The incidents at ApeFest and the Hypebeast event serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees at large-scale gatherings. Adequate measures should be taken to mitigate potential risks, including proper lighting that does not pose a threat to attendees’ health.
As Yuga Labs continues its investigation into the root cause of the reported health issues, it is crucial to determine whether the lighting used at ApeFest was responsible. Improved safety protocols and a thorough assessment of lighting practices should be considered to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The health issues experienced by attendees of ApeFest have raised concerns and speculation regarding the cause of these incidents. With reports of eye pain, vision problems, and sunburnt skin, it is vital for the organizers and relevant authorities to address this matter promptly. Safety should always be a top priority at events, and thorough investigations and precautionary measures can help prevent such unfortunate incidents from happening again.
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