When we think about instances where we need to protect ourselves from the sun, we usually consider outdoor activities like gardening, golfing, or going to the beach. However, one place that we rarely consider "unsafe" is in our cars.
After all, if the windows are closed, we're not exposed are we? Wrong. Actually, a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that nearly 53 percent of skin cancers in the US occur on the left side of the body, which is the drivers side.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "In a US study by Singer, et al, the researchers found asymmetric photodamage (sun- induced skin damage) on the face, with more brown pigment (color) and deeper wrinkles on the left. The more time subjects spent driving a vehicle, the more severe their photodamage on the left side. Reinforcing this research, in countries where the driver’s side is the right side, people tend to develop more sun damage and skin precancers on the right."
Our cars are designed to shield from UVB and UVA rays from the front and rear windshields, however the side windows remain penetrable, which is cause for these studies.
So how can we help protect ourselves from sun damage while driving?
*Window films are especially important for traveling with small children and babies, as they are extra sensitive to the heat and sun!
Pictured below:
A compelling case for wearing sunscreen is definitely that of Bill McElligott, a delivery truck driver for 28 years who showed considerable difference in skin damage to the left side of his face.
Sources:
After all, if the windows are closed, we're not exposed are we? Wrong. Actually, a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that nearly 53 percent of skin cancers in the US occur on the left side of the body, which is the drivers side.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "In a US study by Singer, et al, the researchers found asymmetric photodamage (sun- induced skin damage) on the face, with more brown pigment (color) and deeper wrinkles on the left. The more time subjects spent driving a vehicle, the more severe their photodamage on the left side. Reinforcing this research, in countries where the driver’s side is the right side, people tend to develop more sun damage and skin precancers on the right."
Our cars are designed to shield from UVB and UVA rays from the front and rear windshields, however the side windows remain penetrable, which is cause for these studies.
So how can we help protect ourselves from sun damage while driving?
- Buy UV protective window film. These protective tints can be purchased online and installed by yourself or a professional. Please click here to visit the Skin Cancer Foundations list of approved sellers.*
- Keep sun protection in the car. Have a pair of UV protective sunglasses, a hat, and a bottle of broad-spectrum sunscreen readily available for traveling.
- Wear UV protective sleeves or shirts while driving long distances. Also, keep the sun roof, motorcycle, or convertible use for short trips!
*Window films are especially important for traveling with small children and babies, as they are extra sensitive to the heat and sun!
Pictured below:
A compelling case for wearing sunscreen is definitely that of Bill McElligott, a delivery truck driver for 28 years who showed considerable difference in skin damage to the left side of his face.
Sources:
- http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/shade/sun-safety-cars
- http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/06/06/bill-mcelligott-sun-damage_n_1573546.html
- http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/are-you-at-risk/sun-hazards-in-your-car
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