Summary:
- Yuga Labs’ investigation determined that UV-A emitting lights were likely responsible for the eye and skin issues reported by ApeFest attendees.
- Market Response: The incident briefly impacted the prices of Bored Apes Yacht Club, but the market has shown resilience with a subsequent recovery.
Yuga Labs has officially acknowledged that the culprit behind the recent wave of eye-related issues at ApeFest was likely UV-A emitting lights. Numerous attendees reported symptoms of photokeratitis, a condition triggered by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light during the event held over the weekend.
Yuga Labs Investigation Points To UV-A Lights
Following reports of blurred vision and burning eyes from ApeFest participants, Yuga Labs conducted a thorough investigation. The company collaborated with global brand experience agency Jack Morton Worldwide, responsible for producing ApeFest 2023. The investigation scrutinized inventory records, material logs, and specification sheets related to the exhibits at ApeFest. The findings pointed to UV-A emitting lights installed in a specific corner of the event as the likely cause of the reported eye and skin issues.
Company’s Response And Caution
Yuga Labs, in response to the revelation, urged individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. The company emphasized its commitment to the community and the purpose of ApeFest in bringing people together in real life. Expressing regret over the incident, Yuga Labs stated that the focus on community and the ApeFest experience had been overshadowed by health concerns.
On Sunday, November 5, Yuga Labs began to receive reports that some ApeFest attendees and staff experienced eye pain, vision issues, or skin irritation following the Saturday night community event. These reports were – and continue to be – deeply concerning to us. We immediately…
— Bored Ape Yacht Club 🍌 (@BoredApeYC) November 9, 2023
Impact On Bored Apes Yacht Club Prices
The aftermath of the ApeFest health issues saw a temporary dip in the prices of Bored Apes Yacht Club, dropping from 30 ETH to 28 ETH. However, the market has since witnessed a reversal of these declines.