For a 6 billion–year-old Star, the Sun is certainly in the news a lot lately, mainly because it is still a source of uncertainty and confusion to many of us.
The center of this confusion is the Sun’s ultraviolet A (long wave) and B (short wave) rays.
While both UVA and UVB rays can harm the skin and lead to skin cancers, UVB is effectively blocked by glass. However at least 50% of UVA radiation can pass through glass windows. In cars, only the laminated windshield comes with both UVB and UVA protection. The side windows and back windows only give protection from UVB rays and these windows allow more than 60% of UVA rays to pass through.
This makes it very important to check exactly what tinting is being provided on your vehicle.
Who would ever have thought that sun protection would be necessary indoors as well as in your car? And yet, research makes it clear that the danger of UVA radiation reaches far beyond what we ever thought.
Take the necessary action to protect yourself and your family, by being aware of the following:
- The winter sun’s rays are as dangerous as the summer sun.
- Despite window tinting, the sides of faces, necks, hands and arms, which are regularly closer to windows exhibit more signs of skin damage, even indoors.
- Wrinkles, brown spots and sagging skin on the one side of the upper body are evidence of UVA damage.
- Children sitting next to a side window are at risk.
- Rays passing through the back window are UVA.
So what can you do about it?
Try these simple tips next time you are going on a car journey:
- Apply a reliable sunscreen and re apply as instructed.
- Always keep water in your vehicle to prevent dehydration.
- Use one of the many sun protection garments on the market.
- You could use Sun Sleeves or Hand Covers.
We make protective sleeves for kiddies because children under the age of 18 are at their most vulnerable to sun damage.
We would like to encourage you to explore the alternatives that are available. If you are not sure how to go about this or would like some guidance with regards to your unique cisrcumstances, please contact us and we’ll be happy to share some more ideas with you.