Solar eclipse glasses recalled over safety fears as health officials warn do NOT look at the sun if you bought this popular brand

• Officials have warned that some solar eclipse viewing glasses may be faulty 
• The Illinois Department of Public Health warned residents to check their glasses before viewing the eclipse because of a recall
• Since recalled pairs of glasses were sold on Amazon and in several Illinois retailers.  

Officials have warned that eclipse-viewers should check their special glasses after a recall was issued over the safety equipment. 

The recalled glasses were sold on Amazon as ‘Biniki Solar Eclipse Glasses AAS Approved 2024 – CE & ISO Certified Safe Shades for Direct Sun Viewing (6 Packs).’ 

They claimed to be ‘certified’ and ‘safe’ but it has since been determined that the glasses should not be worn to view the eclipse. 

Proper solar eclipse-viewing glasses need to carry the ISO designation of 12312-2.

The Illinois Department of Public Health warned residents to make sure their eclipse glasses are legitimate after the concerning recall, according to CBS.

Several Southern Illinois retailers sold the glasses ahead of the solar eclipse, which is taking place on Monday April 8.

Across the United States, Mexico, and Canada today, millions of people will see a total solar eclipse.

The phenomenon occurs when the moon moves directly in front of the sun – not to be confused with the reverse occurance, which would be a lunar eclipse.

Today, observers will watch as the moon completely blocks out the sun for a few minutes, causing everything to go dark for several minutes.

The highly anticipated solar eclipse will take place across parts of 15 US states on Monday, with it first appearing along Mexico’s Pacific coast around 11:07am PT.

Roughly 34 million people are expected to be on the path of totality – where the eclipse will be fully visible – that will extend through Texas, and up into New England as the day progresses.

The exact time for the event will vary depending on the state and time zone.

The Lone Star State will be the first to see the moon completely block the face of the sun at around 1:27pm CT and is set to last approximately three minutes and 15 seconds.

Follow along with the solar eclipse on the DailyMail.com live blog.