In dealing with my recent skin damage due to years of sun exposure during my childhood, I began to worry about my toddler’s fair skin. I am pretty good about covering him up during stroller rides and outdoor play time, but admit that I don’t stop to lather him up with sunscreen for every car ride around town. I have noticed that sometimes the sun shines directly on him, so I wanted to know if he could get a sunburn while sitting in the car.
The short answer is no. But (and this is a huge but), skin damage can still occur through the windows of a car (and through any glass for that matter). Let’s take a closer look at the science.
Types of UV
There are three types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun:
- UVC is filtered out by the ozone layer and doesn’t reach the earth’s surface, so we don’t have to worry about it.
- UVB causes sunburn and plays a major role in skin cancer and skin aging. Fortunately, UVB rays are unable to get through most types of glass. So, we are protected by UVB while driving in a car, unless of course your windows are down.
- UVA is what we need to worry about. It can penetrate through glass, and the skin damage isn’t as obvious. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA accounts for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface and is 30 to 50 times more common. In addition, UVA affects the skin more deeply than UVB. Research over the past couple of decades shows that it can damage skin cells in the basal layer of the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) where most skin cancers are found. The foundation clearly states that “UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers.”
Glass Type Matters
The type of glass and the coating on it will affect the amount of UVA that passes though. According to http://www.smartskincare.com/, the three types of glass include ordinary (clear), reflective (can see in one direction better than the other), and tinted. Clear glass allows up to 75 percent of UVA to pass through, while tinted and reflective glass allow 25 to 50 percent to pass through.
Most cars today have windshields made of laminated glass that blocks all UVB and most UVA. However, the side and rear windows are usually made from non-laminated glass and let more UVA through. Tinting can reduce UVA penetration to about 15 to 30 percent.
Drive with Caution
Keep in mind that in addition to the type of glass in your car, there are factors out of your control--such as time of day/year, whether you are driving into the sun, and how close you sit to a window--that can affect skin damage. Make sure your child is covered up with sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat. Window shades can also be helpful.
Posts
2 comments:
Should everyone, even kids, wear a SPF moisturizer everyday?
I suggest you speak to your pediatrician or dermatologist for specific information. I think you have to use your best judgment depending on a variety of factors, such as weather, time of day, if your child is wearing protective clothing and a hat already, etc. Every reliable source recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure. I am going to try harder to put sunscreen on my son on a more regular basis, but it isn't easy. It can be messy and time consuming. I think a hat at a minimum is a really good idea for car rides.
Post a Comment