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Italy considers "Avatar" 3D glasses a hygiene risk

Canadian director James Cameron shows 3D glasses as he poses in front of a poster before a promotion event for his latest movie Avatar at the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos January 28, 2010. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

Canadian director James Cameron shows 3D glasses as he poses in front of a poster before a promotion event for his latest movie Avatar at the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos January 28, 2010.

Credit: Reuters/Christian Hartmann

By Eric J. Lyman

Fri Feb 19, 2010 3:28am EST

ROME (Hollywood Reporter) - Fans of the blockbuster "Avatar" applaud the film's use of 3D technology, but the Italian government believes it may also present a health risk.

The health ministry said Thursday it had confiscated about 7,000 sets of 3D glasses from Italian cinemas and could collect more of them.

Officials said the glasses pose hygiene problems if they are not properly cleaned between screenings, and that the confiscated glasses did not display tags proving they would not cause short-term vision problems to users.

The missing glasses have had little effect on the success of "Avatar" in Italy, where it remains the top-grossing film in the country.

Anica, the Italian cinema and audiovisual association, declined comment.
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Comments (4)
hyuipo wrote:
What!?!? Can I get some more information please. I would like to know how it poses a health problem before I go around watching 3D movies.

Feb 19, 2010 7:58am EST  --  Report as abuse
VicNardozza wrote:
If Italians were so concerned about hygiene why don’t they take showers.

Feb 19, 2010 9:42am EST  --  Report as abuse
logic wrote:
Hygiene. The article reads hygiens problems. Skin rashes and eye infections are just 2 things that are highly contagious on contact. If properly cleaned they should pose no threat. Carry a bottle of liquid hand sanitizer with you and you’ll have less worries.

Feb 19, 2010 9:49am EST  --  Report as abuse
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