Can windshield and car windows provide UV protection?
UV protection is important. Can auto glass provide that protection? (Photo Credits)
Driving during day time presents a lot of challenges and risks. One that is usually overlooked though is UV Ray exposure.
The Skin Cancer Foundation says vehicle owners should still apply sunscreen protection when driving because side windows of vehicles are not as protective as windshields when it comes to blocking UV Rays.
“Glass effectively blocks UVB, and windshields are specially treated to block UVA as well, but a car’s side and rear windows allow UVA to penetrate. UV exposure is cumulative, and research has proven that skin exposed to sun shining through window glass, even in the office, can over time lead to significant skin damage.1,2 The UV exposure we receive driving a car especially adds up. In a US study by Singer, et al, the researchers found asymmetric photodamage (sun- induced skin damage) on the face, with more brown pigment (color) and deeper wrinkles on the left.3 The more time subjects spent driving a vehicle, the more severe their photodamage on the left side.”
Check out the rest of the article here.
Side windows are hardly protective against UV Rays
Media Agency Reuters echoed the same advice as it wrote about a study on auto glass and UV protection.
“On average, car windshields blocked about 96 percent of UV-A rays. The protection afforded by individual cars ranged from 95 to 98 percent. But side door windows were far less dependable. The percentage of UV-A rays blocked varied from 44 percent to 96 percent. Only four of the 29 cars had windows that blocked more than 90 percent of UV-A rays.”
Read the continuation here.
Related Mobile Windshield Repair and Replacement Services
- See homepage
- How to have a fog free windshield
- Car Tint Functionality
- Quick Chevrolet windshield replacement
The website Autoblog meantime quoted a study that almost resonated the same point as the above mentioned articles on UV Ray exposure while driving.
“But several studies indicate a link between skin cancer and sun exposure while driving, especially for truck drivers or those with long commutes. In 2007, researchers at the St. Louis University School of Medicine found that in a group of 898 skin cancer patients, 53 percent of the cancers occurred on the left side. Those who spent more hours per week driving had a higher chance of getting a left-side skin cancer. Also, a statistically significant number of the cancers were on areas that are exposed while driving, including the head, neck, arms and hands.”
Read the whole post here.
To ensure safety against UV Rays, apply sunscreen and wear dark glasses when driving during daytime.