Are you concerned about the UV rays that you’re exposed to when driving during the summer? Do you think your car windows don’t offer enough protection and you’re wondering if you need to upgrade?
You should always ensure you have proper protection, especially when the weather is warm and sunny. You wonder “do car windows block UV rays?”
We’re here to put your mind at ease. Keep reading to learn all about the UV protection your car windows provide and how to tell if they’re time to be replaced.
What Is Ultraviolet Radiation?
UV radiation is electromagnetic radiation with a shorter wavelength than visible light. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation and lower-energy radiation from stars and galaxies.
The earth’s atmosphere blocks most UV rays but can pass through clouds and the Earth’s surface. Some UV radiation reaches Earth’s surface as sunlight, especially near the equator.
UVB radiation is harmful to the skin, can cause melanoma (a type of skin cancer), and can contribute to wrinkling and age spots. UVA radiation is also detrimental to the skin, can cause wrinkles and age spots, and can contribute to skin cancer.
Do Car Windows Block UV Rays?
Ultraviolet radiation is responsible for causing sunburns and other skin damage. However, as per the International Ultraviolet Association, your standard car window glass will allow UV-A to pass through while almost 100% of the UV-B and UV-C light is blocked.
If you frequently drive in hot weather, it’s essential to clean your car windows to ensure that you’re protecting yourself from the Sun’s harmful effects. The sunlight is distributed in different colors, including ultraviolet (violet, blue, indigo, and yellow).
Research conducted by The Guardian found that car windows do not block all wavelengths of radiation, including UVB and UVC.
Though car windows don’t block all UV rays, this does not mean they are harmful. The specific frequencies of radiation that car windows do not stop are not allergens. In fact, according to the report, “There is no scientific evidence to show that regular exposure to these low levels of UV radiation can cause any health problems.”
Despite this lack of evidence, many believe car windows protect them from the Sun’s harmful rays. This is because our skin is designed to absorb short-wavelength waves while protecting us from the long-wavelength waves we would encounter from the Sun.
However, even though window sunscreen products offer protection against both types of locks, the Federal Trade Commission warns users on their website not to rely solely on sunscreen when driving because “sunscreen will only work as well as it does because it blocks a certain type of UV radiation – UVA – which does not penetrate tint.”
Therefore, sunscreen during your ride will still help you stay safe from the Sun’s harmful rays even if you use a window to get in and out.
Most car windows protect drivers and passengers from the Sun’s harmful UV rays. The United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that “UV radiation can cause skin cancer and other health problems.” However, the amount of UV radiation that passes through a car window is relatively low.
The American Cancer Society states that while it’s best not to be in direct sunlight, “windows in a car block only about one-seventieth of the sun’s UVB radiation and only about one-twentieth of the UVA radiation.” Therefore, even if a car window is closed, it is not likely to significantly reduce exposure to UV radiation.
How to Protect Yourself From UV Rays?
There are many ways to protect yourself from the Sun’s harmful UV rays, whether driving, out in the open, or working inside. Here are some tips:
Wear sunscreen and a hat when outdoors. Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sunglasses when spending time outside.
Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside, and wash your face every time. The hottest part of the day is often the best time to avoid the Sun. Edit your schedule so that you don’t spend hours in direct sunlight.
You can protect your car windows with a fitted vinyl window film. These films help deflect sunlight and reduce heat accumulation inside the car.
When exposed to UV radiation, the Window Tinting Material (WTM) on a car window blocks only about 60% of the UV radiation that’s coming in. So if your windows are tinted poorly or not at all, they could still be exposing you to dangerous levels of UV radiation.
The best way to protect yourself from UV radiation is by using sunscreen when you’re out in the Sun and avoiding windows that are tinted poorly or not at all. Click here to find the best auto window tinting services.
Be sure to consult your doctor, if you experience any discomfort from the sun.
Key Takeaways
Do car windows block UV rays? There is a never-ending debate, with some believing that they do and others claiming that they don’t. The overwhelming majority of scientific research shows that window screening does little or nothing to protect people from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
If you are concerned about exposure to this type of radiation, it is best to use sunscreens every day and avoid going outside during peak hours when the Sun is at its strongest. Hopefully, this article has given you a brief idea of “do car windows block UV rays.”
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