Does Day time Driving make us more vulnerable to Skin Cancer?
When you sit and imagine yourself in a position where you are at risk for skin cancer, the first things that come to mind are the pool or the beach, where the sun is hot and you know it. Americans tend to avoid these situations for one specific reason..the exposure to the suns harmful UV Rays. Although we can take many precautions to avoid sun exposure, the reality is that we are all putting ourselves at risk on a daily basis with activities of our lives. Most of us don’t even realize it, but sitting in our car on a hot day is also considered “sun exposure”
For years, dermatologists have observed that patients in the US often have more sun damage (which can lead to wrinkles, leathering, sagging, brown “age” spots and even skin cancers) on the left side of their faces than on the right. Why? Research increasingly points to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation penetrating through car windows.
UV radiation from the sun, associated with about 90 percent of all skin cancers, reaches the earth as long- wavelength UVA and shortwave UV B 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 the United States, the left side of the neck, arm, and head receive up to 6x the dose of UV radiation as compared to people who sit in the passenger’s seat. Cars with sun roofs and convertibles are even more dangerous.
To protect yourself while driving, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher to your face, arms, neck and hands, about half an hour before you go driving. [The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using about an ounce over the entire body, including a teaspoonful on the face.] Make sure your sunscreen contains some combination of UVA-shielding ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, stabilized avobenzone, and ecamsule (MexorylTM) because of the fact that UVA passes through the window glass also make sure to reapply often.
Protective clothing, UV-blocking sunglasses, and hats with a 3 inch rim are all important necessities. For men who have thinning hair, Hats are important because the lack of hair puts them at greater risk
One of the most admired remedies for blocking light through your car’s window is by placing window film on all sides. Since Window tinting is regulated in every state, make sure to use a reputable company, such as AGD Auto Glass & Tint Co, one that is compliant with these laws. A Major study performed in 2014 showed a whopping 93% reduction in the death of skin cells when auto glass was able to absorb and filter the UV Rays. There are even films made today that have the ability to block 99.9% of UV rays.
If you can follow these rules carefully, you will live a sun safe free life.
AGD Auto Glass & Tint Co recommends staying sun-safe both on the road and once you reach your destination.
If and when you decide to get window film, you will definitely want to do research on us here at AGD Auto Glass & Tint Co. Our tint will not bubble, crack, or falter because of workmanship or application defects. We can guarantee you that much and more. Contact us today for a free quote!
AGD Auto Glass & Tint Co.
3414 S Mill Ave | Tempe, AZ 85282 | 602-759-5900 | Website
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