Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer. With many Americans driving many hours each day, do their car windows offer enough protection against UV rays?
An analysis conducted by Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler from the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute studied the ultraviolet ray protection levels provided by the front windshields and side windows of cars. A total of 29 cars from 15 different car manufacturers were involved in the analysis.
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The analysis shows that an average of 96 percent of ultraviolet-A rays was blocked by the front windshields of the 29 cars. However, the side windows from these cars blocked an average of only 71 percent of the UV-A rays.
The research also shows that only 14 percent of the side windows from the 29 cars provide the drivers and passengers with a high-quality protection against UV-A rays. Cars are supposed to provide drivers and passengers with a high-quality protection against UV-rays in order to prevent skin cancer.
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"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," Dr. Doris Day told CBS News. "UV-A also goes through glass, making it a potential issue for those who have daily commutes or spend extended periods in the car."
Fortunately, there are several effective skin cancer prevention methods that you can use. These include avoiding sun exposure from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.; wearing sunscreen protection whatever the season or weather is; wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside; and visiting the doctor for unusual skin changes, according to Mayo Clinic.
