Window Tint Blocks Harmful Rays That Can Cause Skin Cancer

Sept. 13, 2013 - PRLog -- Recent statistics show that American drivers are more frequently developing skin cancer on their left side – which is believed to be due to exposure to sunlight while driving.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer within their lifetime. With studies from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showing that patients with skin cancer, more frequently had cancer on the left side of the body.

“Of 890 patients with skin cancer, 52.6 percent had skin cancer on the left side of the face or body,” writes Susan Kreimer of AARP, referring to the study. “They found there were significantly more skin cancers on the left side of the body in men—especially on exposed areas of the head and neck.”

Why are Americans more at risk of developing skin cancer on their left side? Many experts believe that this is a direct result of sun exposure while driving.

Susan T. Butler MD, of the Skin Cancer Foundation, explains the danger of sun exposure in vehicles.

“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,” Butler writes. “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.”

Frequent driving or long trips can lead to prolonged exposure to ultra violet rays. However, many people don’t realize that they may be at risk for sun exposure while inside a vehicle.

However, experts note that taking steps to minimize the UV exposure, can reduce the risks. With certain studies showing that some vehicle window tints can block harmful rays known to cause skin cancer.

“One study noted a 93 percent reduction in skin cell death when UV exposure was filtered through UV-absorbing auto glass,” writs Butler. “Some films, when applied to car windows, can block 99.9 percent of UV rays.”

Delta Auto Glass provides quality windshield replacement and glass tinting services for Houston TX and the surrounding area. For more information on window tint, or to find out if your vehicle could benefit from the protection of window tinting visit www.autoglasshouston.net.

http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-05-2010/health_discovery_why_do_people_get_more_skin_cancer_on_their_left_side.html

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/are-you-at-risk/sun-hazards-in-your-car