Although the windshield may protect you from UV rays, the same cannot be said for the side window, which has been shown to cause damage to your skin and eyes. For their study, researchers from California wanted to test the damage that could occur with sunlight exposure from a car-side window. Excess sun exposure has been long known to cause skin cancer and cataracts.
The researchers analyzed the ultraviolet protection of car windows in 29 cars from 15 different car manufacturers. The researchers also measured the levels of ambient UV-A radiation from the front windshield and the driver’s window in the cars produced between 1990 and 2014.
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The windshield was found to offer decent protection against UV-A, but the driver’s side window offered lower and inconsistent protection. Only 14 percent of cars were found to offer high levels of UV-A protection in the side windows.
The findings offer a possible explanation for the higher rates of cataracts and skin cancer on the left side of drivers’ faces. The researchers suggest that automotive builders consider upping UV-A protection of their windows to reduce rates.
Dr. Doris Day, a dermatologist and skin cancer expert at Lenox Hill Hospital, commented, “The World Health Organization has designated all wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation as known carcinogens. While UV-B is a shorter wavelength of light and is blocked by glass, UV-A is longer and goes deeper into the skin – causing both skin cancer and premature aging as it breaks down collagen. UV-A also goes through glass, making it a potential issue for those who have daily commutes or spend extended periods in the car.”
Drivers should wear sunscreen as a mode of protection and consider installing a special window tint as a means to prevent exposure.
Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article on Protect your skin naturally from the sun.
Sources:
http://archopht.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2522190
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
