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Bug zapper causes vision problems for Durham VA staff, resident
Five people with the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System were struggling with vision problems caused by an insect trapping device on Sunday. Three people affected were staff members, one was a contactor, and another was a resident of the VA.
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By Maggie Brown, WRAL multiplatform producer
DURHAM, N.C. — Five people at the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System on Sunday are struggling with vision problems caused by an insect trapping device that emits UV light. Three people affected were staff members, one was a contactor, and another was a resident of the VA.
The bug zapper had the wrong kind of light bulb, officials said.
Insect zappers attract bugs by emitting a UV light, then electrocuting them when they fly too close. In general, the UV light produced by bug zappers is usually not bright enough to cause any harm.
Health experts say too strong of a UV light can cause someone's cornea to become inflamed or burned.
The five people affected are healing, and officials made sure no other devices on campus were unsafe.
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