It looks like your own car might not be able to protect you from the sun, even if you are not driving a convertible. A new study has just found that the side windows in cars are unable to shield the driver from the sun's ultraviolet-A (UV-A) rays.
Check The Glass
The study, which was conducted by Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills, set out to see if a car's side window can offer ultraviolet protection to the driver. To do so, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler examined the glass of 29 different cars from 15 manufacturers. The doctor checked the ambient UV-A radiation from both the front windshield as well as the driver's side window.
The Result
The study, which was published online in JAMA Ophthalmology (via UPI), found that the windshields can block out an average of 96% of UV-A rays. Unfortunately, the side window glass can only block out about 71% of UV-A rays.
Although it looks like windshields can protect the driver from UV-A rays that can raise the odds for skin cancer, there is less protection from side windows. Dr. Boxer Wachler believes that this may be the reason why people are prone to getting skin cancer on the left side of their bodies.
But how can drivers protect themselves from UV-A rays on long drives during daytime? Here are some tips to avoid skin cancer while on the road.
Wear Sunscreen
This might be the most important rule out there, if someone made a song all about it. Remember to put on sunscreen not just on your face, but on your neck and arms as well. It is best to make sure that any exposed skin should be covered in sunscreen.
Get Special Window Tints For Your Side Windows
Make sure to get the tints that can block out about 99% of UV-A rays. It is best to get all windows tinted to ensure that your passengers will be protected as well.
