New York State Department of Health Releases Special Edition of New York Public Health Now Podcast Focused On the Eclipse
Podcast Discussion Centers on Eye Safety While Viewing Eclipse
Listen to the Podcast Here
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 4, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health is urging caution when viewing the total solar eclipse that will cross the State on Monday, April 8, 2024. Eye safety, as well as the state's eclipse preparations, are discussed in the special edition of the New York Public Health Now podcast hosted by Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne.
"It is exciting to be able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event, but without appropriate eye protection, viewing the eclipse can cause damage to the retina, potentially leading to permanent impairment, including blindness," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "On this special edition of our podcast, we discuss the importance of wearing solar viewing glasses, which should be ISO certified and free from scratches or other imperfections. Additionally, regular sunglasses will not provide proper protection, nor should you use eclipse glasses with cameras, binoculars or telescopes, which require different specialized filters. We want to ensure everyone enjoys this rare astronomical event without risking their eyesight. It is especially important that small children are supervised as they might not understand the harm that can be done by staring at the sun."
Commissioner McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne discussed the eclipse on the special edition of the podcast with guests Patrick Toye, Associate Commissioner from the Department's Western Regional Office, and Jason Gough, a meteorologist and member of Governor Hochul's eclipse communications team. You can listen to their conversation about safety precautions and why this particular eclipse is so unique on the Department's website.
In addition to eclipse glasses, handheld solar viewers can also be used to observe the eclipse. Both must meet the required ISO 12312-2 international standard.
Further health and safety precautions for eclipse viewing include wearing sunscreen, dressing appropriately for weather conditions that may include cold or damp conditions, and planning for high traffic volume and possible detours, as well as communication disruptions. Be sure to build extra time into your plans for support and accessibility for the very young, the elderly or individuals with disabilities, including ensuring an ample supply of prescription medications.
Commissioner McDonald also stresses the importance of taking safety precautions on a Public Service Announcement that can be viewed here.
For more eclipse information, including events, more safety tips, and a themed playlist of over 80 songs to help enhance this exceptional event, go to New York State Solar Eclipse | View Info, Times & Maps (iloveny.com).
