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

Interior Designers Choose Window Film for Affordable Window Dressing

In a recent article in the Montreal Gazette, decorator Georgia Thanos points out the interesting trend towards the use of window films for window dressing.

Thanos is quoted as saying that you must first determine the purpose of the window covering and "figure out if you want it to block out the light and how much.  Are you looking for privacy, and are you looking to add height or width to your wall"

Thanos recommends window films as an economical alternative to other window treatments or to be used in conjunction with curtains for UV blocking and protection from fading.

Thanos urges do-it-yourselfers to be true to their own sense of style.  The article quotes the decorator and owner of Deco Prassimo Design, as saying, "You also have to be true to your style and comfort, and the style of the home."

For a wide selection of decorative and UV blocking window films you can shop online from Apex Window Films at www.ApexFilms.ca.  If you  are looking for just the film to match YOUR sense of style, go where there is the best selection, go to Apex Window Film!

Source Article:  "Window Dressing" by Marlene Eisner, The Gazette, MontrealGazette.com, October 21, 2010

New Look & Feel at Apex Winodw Films' Site

Apex Window Films recently changed the look and feel of the website to improve user experience. The site was getting so large, we wanted to make it easier (and faster) to get to the product you are looking for specifically.

While Apex Window Films installs window film and window and door security products throughout the Greater Toronto Area, we also sell window film across North America. Apex sells window film both wholesale and retail throughout Canada and the U.S.

Because our do-it-yourself line of window film has become so extensive, as well as our online support for our DIY customers, some wholesale, commercial, and residential installation customers in the Toronto area were becoming a little overwhelmed when they visited the site.

The solution has been to increase the speed of the site as well as using graphic navigation to help our customers quickly and easily click their way to their desired product area.

Visit ApexFilms.ca and let us know what you think! You can post your comments here in our blog so that we can better improve user experience on our site.