Protection From Harmful UV Rays Indoors

At last, it feels like spring!  The sun is shining and things are really beginning to warm up.  Many of us know that we should begin wearing sunscreens and protective clothing at this time of the year to protect our skin from the harmful and aging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation*:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States – more than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually
• One in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime
• More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure
• A person's risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns

Most North Americans have been educated about the harmful effects of the sun and many, particularly children, use sun protection measures like that recommended by the Canadian Cancer Society "Slip, Slap, Slop" campaign (Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on some sunscreen!) when they are spending time outdoors. 

Did you know, that the suns harmful UVA rays penetrate glass?  The Skin Cancer Foundation characterizes the sun's rays as  "Sneaky.  Not only can they cause skin cancer and visible signs of aging, they're also very good at finding you. They can bounce off water, off sand, and they can penetrate glass. Which means that even if you're inside your car or house, if you're sitting next to a window with sunlight streaming in, you're at risk for UV damage."**  In fact, studies reveal that drivers have higher incidence of skin cancers and sun damage on the side of their body (arms and face) that is closest to the window when they drive.

The use of window films to block UVA rays in automobiles has been common for many years now.  As more people become aware of the dangers of UVA rays penetrating the glass in their homes, schools and work-places, more and more are installing UV blocking films on their windows to protect occupants from these harmful rays.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation website:  "This helps prevent not only sunburn, but also the brief daily UV exposures that cumulatively accelerate skin aging and multiply the risk of skin cancer. In addition, the film can be lifesavers for people with diseases involving dangerous photosensitivity, such as xeroderma pigmentosum and lupus."**


For the do-it-yourselfer, Apex offers DIY UV Blocking window films in clear and tinted varities at the Apex Do-It-Yourself Window Film Online Store at www.apex-window-film-store.com.




Sources:
*http://www.panoramafilm.com/Benefits/Protection_from_the_Sun copyright 2011
**http://www.skincancer.org/uva-radiation-a-danger-indoors-as-well-as-out.html copyright 2011