UV protection in the car ???
Do you also use suncream in the car? Then you are one of the few.
Because the general public has the opinion, that car windows do
not let UV rays through.
Is that correct? Or do they do it?
They do !
You are well protected from UV-B radiation in the car. It is held back
by the glass panes. That’s why you don’t get sunburn or tan in the car.
UVB is precisely responsible for this. But this protection is deceptive.
While the front windows in the car largely protect against UV-A and UV-B radiation,
side windows allow UV-A radiation to pass through almost unhindered.
UV-A radiation also causes skin damage!
According to recent studies, UVA rays also cause premature aging and skin cancer.
The photograph shows you a 60 year old driver with his face on
one side has aged appropriately. But not the other side, facing the side window.
This side of skin aging is roughly equivalent to that of an 80-year-old man.
Car windows vary in the permeability of UV rays:
Windscreen :
Manufacturers have been using laminated safety glass for windshields
for around 30 years.
Here are two layers of glass connected by a film.
These foil is not only protection against broken glass, but also against
UV rays. UVB rays are completely rejected, but UVA rays come 2% through.
Sides and rear window:
They are made of toughened safety glass, they don’t break like normal
window glass, but let 60-80% of the UVA radiation through.
Protective measures:
Tinting the panes reduces the proportion of rays to about 12%.
Special UV protection films can reduce the rays down to 0.4%.
Sun protection shades and roller blinds also help.
Problem:
The protective measures are only allowed if they are not in the 180° field of view of the
driver, i.e. only allowed on the windows of the rear bench and the rear window.
Conclusion:
Put on sunscreen or, even better, wear long-sleeved clothing.
Pay special attention to the children in the back seats.
