Among the many NFT projects, the Bored Ape Yacht Club gained significant attention for its unique digital collectibles. However, a recent Bored Ape NFT event in Hong Kong has sparked health concerns as reports of severe eye discomfort and skin burns have emerged.
Eye and Skin Burn Reports at Bored Ape NFT Event
The event in question, known as ApeFest, took place from November 3 to November 5 and brought together NFT enthusiasts from around the world. Attendees were promised “Three days of meetups and mayhem” and “One big night full of surprises”. While surprises are expected at any party, some attendees experience unpleasant ones. Reports began to surface on social media platforms, such as X (Formerly known as Twitter), about attendees suffering from severe eye and skin discomfort after the event.
Dozens of individuals shared their experiences, with symptoms ranging from eye pain to skin burns. One attendee, who goes by the name “Crypto June“, mentioned, “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”. These reports were deeply concerning, and many attendees expressed their worries about potential long-term effects.
Understanding Photokeratitis: A “Sunburned Eye”
Unprotected exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light was suspected to be the culprit behind these distressing symptoms. The condition in question is known as photokeratitis, which the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) describes as akin to having a sunburn on the eye. This condition affects the front layers of the eye and can lead to a range of symptoms, including eye pain, redness, blurriness, sensitivity to bright light, and temporary vision loss.
To protect yourself from photokeratitis, the AAO recommends wearing sunglasses that block or absorb UV rays. In certain situations, like arc welding, protective gear such as welding helmets is essential. However, these safety precautions may not have been fully realised by some ApeFest attendees, resulting in the reported discomfort.
Also Read: Are NFT Dead in 2023? Analysing What Caused the NFT Crash This Year.
Bored Ape Yacht Club’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT project, which is managed by the blockchain company Yuga Labs, has responded to the situation. In an official statement, the project confirmed that it has been “Proactively reaching out to individuals since yesterday to try to find the potential root cause”. According to their assessment, it is believed that less than 1 percent of the event’s attendees and workers experienced these symptoms.
While many attendees have reported improvements in their symptoms, the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT project urged anyone still experiencing discomfort to seek medical attention as a precaution. The project’s response highlights their commitment to the well-being of their community and a dedication to addressing the issue responsibly.
Read More: The SEC Is Going After Mila Kunis’ NFT Project
Bored Ape NFTs: A Unique Digital Collectible
The Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection is a set of 10,000 unique digital collectibles, or NFTs. Owning one of these NFTs not only provides ownership of a digital artwork but also grants access to exclusive events and online projects. The project gained widespread attention in 2021 during the peak of the NFT craze, with celebrities like Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg, and Jimmy Fallon making high-profile purchases of Bored Ape NFTs.
However, like many NFT projects, the initial hype surrounding the Bored Ape NFTs has subsided, and their market values have fluctuated. The floor price of Bored Ape NFTs has seen significant drops in recent months, compared to the peak prices reached in April 2022.
Several factors have contributed to this decline, including broader market conditions, often referred to as a “Crypto winter”, and a general decrease in enthusiasm for digital art. The NFT market, which once experienced explosive growth, has witnessed a shift in dynamics, affecting various NFT collections, including Bored Ape NFTs.
Ongoing Legal Issues and Class-Action Lawsuit
The Bored Ape Yacht Club’s journey has not been without its share of controversies. In December 2022, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Yuga Labs and its celebrity promoters. The lawsuit alleges that Yuga Labs and celebrities artificially inflated and distorted the prices of Bored Ape NFTs. Furthermore, it accuses celebrities like Paris Hilton and Justin Bieber of failing to disclose their financial compensation for promoting the NFTs.
In response, Yuga Labs and the other defendants have denied these allegations and have pledged to defend themselves against the lawsuit. This legal dispute adds another layer of complexity to the Bored Ape NFT project’s evolving story.
Similar Past Incidents in Hong Kong
It is worth noting that this is not the first time such symptoms have been reported in Hong Kong in connection with an event. In 2017, partygoers who attended a Hypebeast event at The Landmark commercial complex in Hong Kong reported similar symptoms, including sunburn and severe eye pain. Investigations revealed that the venue had installed UV lights mainly for disinfection purposes, leading to these uncomfortable outcomes. However, it is essential to emphasise that the two incidents appear to be unrelated.
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