Just How Harmful Are UV Rays?

We’ve all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun exposure, but what exactly are UV rays and just how harmful are they? Let’s find out!

Two Types of Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet radiation is product of sunlight. And as our ozone layer depletes, earth’s atmosphere is less able to protect us from UV rays. This can cause a number of health problems including skin cancer (melanoma and nonmelanoma), premature aging and other skin damage, cataracts and other eye damage as well as immune system suppression. Ultraviolet radiation is actually classified as a human carcinogen by both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization.

The warnings we often hear concern ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are strongest in the summer. This is the main cause of sunburn. However, ultraviolet A (UVA) rays are constant throughout the year. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. So while they’re less intense than UVB rays, UVA rays are 30 – 50 times more prevalent and, unlike UVB, can go through glass and will penetrate deeper into the skin. This means wearing SPF on sunny days isn’t enough to protect you from the harmful effects of UV exposure.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than new cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Unprotected exposure is the most preventable risk factor.

How to Reduce Exposure

To reduce your exposure, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends:

• Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily (even indoors) that has a UVA-protective ingredient

• Wearing protective clothing such as broad brimmed hats, gloves and UV-blocking sunglasses when spending extended amounts of time in the sun

• Installing window film on home, car and office windows to block nearly 100% of UVA and UVB radiation

Tinted Windows and & UV Protection

While both UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin and lead to cancers or other damage, UVB rays are blocked by glass. However, at least 50 percent of UVA radiation can pass through windows. A report published in Clinical Interventions in Aging, stated that eight women and two men had significantly more damage (wrinkles, brown spots and sagging skin) on one side of their face. The side that had the damage was the side that regularly faced a window at work. This is called asymmetrical facial damage and is believed to be caused by UVA rays.

It’s also been proven that car windows let in more than 60% of UVA rays. If you habitually sit by a non-tinted window at work, at home or during your commute in a car or on public transport, you’re at an increased risk for these conditions. Tinting your home, office and vehicle windows can help you reduce this risk by almost 100%.

Protect Yourself Today

If you’re interested in tinting your windows, give Team Acme a call at (702) 566-8326. We’ll be happy to take care of your car or come out to your home or business to tint your windows. Our customers’ safety is always our top priority, so if you want a team who will do the job right, contact Team Acme.