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Can you get sunburnt or UV skin damage through car or home windows?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-larkin-952095">Theresa Larkin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <p>When you’re in a car, train or bus, do you choose a seat to avoid being in the sun or do you like the sunny side?</p> <p>You can definitely feel the sun’s heat through a window. But can you get sunburn or skin damage when in your car or inside with the windows closed?</p> <p>Let’s look at how much UV (ultraviolet) radiation passes through different types of glass, how tinting can help block UV, and whether we need sunscreen when driving or indoors.</p> <h2>What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?</h2> <p>Of the <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv)#:%7E:text=Most%20solar%20UVB%20is%20filtered,for%20the%20immediate%20tanning%20effect.">total UV</a> radiation that reaches Earth, about 95% is UVA and 5% is UVB.</p> <p>UVB only reaches the <a href="https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-dont-burns-bleed-130792">upper layers</a> of our skin but <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-uv-index-an-expert-explains-what-it-means-and-how-its-calculated-173146">is the major cause</a> of sunburn, cataracts and skin cancer.</p> <p>UVA <a href="https://theconversation.com/sunscreen-why-wearing-it-even-in-winter-could-be-a-good-idea-219640">penetrates deeper</a> into our skin and causes cell damage that leads to skin cancer.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646357/original/file-20250203-17-c897dp.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/646357/original/file-20250203-17-c897dp.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=416&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646357/original/file-20250203-17-c897dp.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=416&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646357/original/file-20250203-17-c897dp.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=416&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646357/original/file-20250203-17-c897dp.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=523&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646357/original/file-20250203-17-c897dp.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=523&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/646357/original/file-20250203-17-c897dp.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=523&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Graphic showing UVA and UVB penetrating skin" /><figcaption><span class="caption">UVA penetrates deeper than UVB.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/difference-radiation-types-sunlight-which-harmful-669925423">Shutterstock/solar22</a></span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Glass blocks UVA and UVB radiation differently</h2> <p>All <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/phpp.12022">glass</a> used in house, office and car windows completely blocks UVB from passing through.</p> <p>But only laminated glass can completely block UVA. UVA <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sneaky-ways-youre-being-exposed-to-the-suns-uv-rays/#:%7E:text=UVB%20rays%2C%20the%20primary%20sunburn,the%20rays%20will%20reach%20you">can pass through</a> other glass used in car, house and office windows and <a href="https://theconversation.com/sunscreen-why-wearing-it-even-in-winter-could-be-a-good-idea-219640">cause skin damage</a>, increasing the risk of cancer.</p> <h2>Car windscreens block UVA, but the side and rear windows don’t</h2> <p>A car’s front windscreen lets in lots of sunshine and light. Luckily it <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/phpp.12022">blocks 98% of UVA radiation</a> because it is made of two layers of laminated glass.</p> <p>But the side and rear car windows are made of tempered glass, which doesn’t completely block UVA. A <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2522190">study of 29 cars</a> found a range from 4% to almost 56% of UVA passed through the side and rear windows.</p> <p>The UVA protection was not related to the car’s age or cost, but to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962205046244?casa_token=qxVQnQ_mFjEAAAAA:5n6QVYBb22gfsWNLxfxbNtsibJ1JXl_C7RtRhsaQLFVkRocFgoWiI4BnNyMGO35EnyIsLNhFK90">the type</a> of glass, its colour and whether it has been tinted or coated in a protective film. Grey or bronze coloured glass, and window tinting, all increase UVA protection. <a href="https://academic.oup.com/tropej/article/59/6/496/1660803">Window tinting</a> blocks around 95% of UVA radiation.</p> <p>In a separate study from Saudi Arabia, researchers fitted drivers with a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9797294/">wearable radiation monitor</a>. They found drivers were exposed to UV index ratings up to 3.5. (In Australia, sun protection <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen/spf50-sunscreen">is generally recommended</a> when the UV index is 3 or above – at this level it takes pale skin about 20 minutes to burn.)</p> <p>So if you have your windows tinted, you should not have to wear sunscreen in the car. But without tinted windows, you can accumulate skin damage.</p> <h2>UV exposure while driving increases skin cancer risk</h2> <p>Many people spend a lot of time in the car – for work, commuting, holiday travel and general transport. Repeated UVA radiation exposure through car side windows might go unnoticed, but it can affect our skin.</p> <p>Indeed, skin cancer is more common on the driver’s side of the body. A <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3117975/">study in the United States</a> (where drivers sit on the left side) found more skin cancers on the left than the right side for the face, scalp, arm and leg, including 20 times more for the arm.</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20226568/">Another US study</a> found this effect was higher in men. For <a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/melanoma/stages-types/melanoma-in-situ-stage-0#:%7E:text=What%20is%20melanoma%20in%20situ,grown%20deeper%20into%20the%20skin.">melanoma in situ</a>, an early form of melanoma, 74% of these cancers were on the on the left versus 26% on the right.</p> <p>Earlier Australian studies reported more <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1340770/">skin damage</a> and more <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/555250">skin cancer</a> on the right side.</p> <p>Cataracts and other eye damage are also <a href="https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/diseases-and-conditions/cataracts-and-uv-exposure-in-driver-side-windows?sso=y">more common on the driver’s side</a> of the body.</p> <h2>What about UV exposure through home or office windows?</h2> <p>We see UV damage from sunlight through our home windows in faded materials, furniture or plastics.</p> <p>Most glass used in residential windows lets a lot of UVA pass through, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0781.2009.00434.x">between 45 and 75%</a>.</p> <p>Single-pane glass lets through the most UVA, while thicker, tinted or coated glass blocks more UVA.</p> <p>The best options are laminated glass, or double-glazed, tinted windows that allow less than 1% of UVA through.</p> <p><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/phpp.12022">Skylights</a> are made from laminated glass, which completely stops UVA from passing through.</p> <p>Most office and commercial window glass has better UVA protection than residential windows, allowing <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962205046244?casa_token=qxVQnQ_mFjEAAAAA:5n6QVYBb22gfsWNLxfxbNtsibJ1JXl_C7RtRhsaQLFVkRocFgoWiI4BnNyMGO35EnyIsLNhFK90#bib17">less than 25% of UVA transmission</a>. These windows are usually double-glazed and tinted, with reflective properties or UV-absorbent chemicals.</p> <p>Some <a href="https://theconversation.com/smart-windows-could-be-the-next-big-thing-in-renewable-heating-245053">smart windows</a> that reduce heat using chemical treatments to darken the glass can also block UVA.</p> <h2>So when should you wear sunscreen and sunglasses?</h2> <p>The biggest risk with skin damage while driving is having the windows down or your arm out the window in direct sun. Even untinted windows will reduce UVA exposure to some extent, so it’s better to have the <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-cant-get-sunburnt-through-glass-shade-or-in-water-right-5-common-sunburn-myths-busted-150640">car window up</a>.</p> <p>For home windows, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/phpp.12022">window films or tint</a> can increase UVA protection of single pane glass. UVA blocking by glass is similar to protection by sunscreen.</p> <p>When you need to use sunscreen <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00267.x">depends on</a> your skin type, latitude and time of the year. In a car without tinted windows, you could burn after one hour in the middle of the day in summer, and two hours in the middle of a winter’s day.</p> <p>But in the middle of the day next to a home window that allows more UVA to pass through, it <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00267.x">could</a> take only 30 minutes to burn in summer and one hour in winter.</p> <p>When the UV index is above three, it is recommended you <a href="https://theconversation.com/sunglasses-dont-just-look-good-theyre-good-for-you-too-heres-how-to-choose-the-right-pair-245270">wear protective sunglasses</a> while driving or next to a sunny window to avoid eye damage.<!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/theresa-larkin-952095">Theresa Larkin</a>, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-you-get-sunburnt-or-uv-skin-damage-through-car-or-home-windows-246599">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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Natural ways to boost your vitamin D

<p>Known as the sunshine vitamin, maintaining the right level of vitamin D is essential to keep you healthy. Luckily there are a number of ways you can naturally boost your intake.</p> <p>Research now shows that apart from bone health, vitamin D is also linked to many other functions in the body, too. We’ve done the legwork for you. The sunshine vitamin can also be beneficial for cardiovascular health, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, depression and to protect against colds. Here are four ways you can ensure adequate intake – and naturally, too! But like most things in life, a combination of diet, supplements and environment is the key.</p> <p><strong>Sunlight</strong><br />The best source of vitamin D is UV-B radiation from the sun. Approximately five to 30 minutes of sun exposure while you’re not wearing sun screen (between 10am and 3pm), at least twice a week, will do the job. It is worth keeping in mind that UV radiation levels vary depending on things like, location, time of year and time of day, so make sure you wear sun protection when the UV Index is three or above. In some states, UV radiation is higher and sun protection is needed all year round at certain times of the day. The Cancer Council Australia say that for most people, adequate vitamin D levels are reached through regular daily activity and incidental exposure to the sun. To check UV levels and the times sun protection is required, look on the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au – search for UV alert.</p> <p><strong>Diet</strong><br />There are many food options that you can incorporate into your diet to ensure you have healthy levels of the sunshine vitamin. Think fatty fish (sardines, herring, mackerel, tuna and salmon), canned tuna, milk that has been fortified with vitamin D, egg yolks and cereals that have been fortified with vitamin D.</p> <p><strong>Supplements</strong><br />From tablets and capsules to liquids, supplements are a convenient way to ensure you are getting enough vitamin D. The even better news is, there are some natural supplement options out there. Be careful, though, as too much can be toxic. Depending on your situation, daily dosages vary. The safest way to be sure on what’s best for you is to consult your doctor.</p> <p><strong>Cod liver oil</strong><br />If you’re not a fan of fatty fish, then you’ll be pleased to know that cod liver oil – which comes from the liver of the cod fish – is very rich in vitamins A and D. Women 60-plus should have around 700mcg per day and men 60-plus, 900mcg per day.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Surprisingly important skincare step you may be skipping

<p>​​<span style="font-weight: 400;">While many people are spending more time at home, due to the ongoing pandemic and the cooler winter months, lots of people are taking shortcuts in their beauty routine. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sure, many are choosing to forget about their makeup or only have a professional outfit on from the waist up for their video work calls – but there is one vital step not to be skipped. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite remaining in doors or the lessening UV factor in the colder months, dermatologists and skin care experts are warning people to not leave out their sunscreen from their daily routine. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Applying sunscreen is an easy step to ditch in our morning skincare routines, but if anti-ageing is your goal, you might want to rethink your choice to overlook it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sunscreen brand Ultra Violette’s founder Ava Matthews understands the importance of daily SPF and wants to remind people of the product.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Daily SPF use should be a habit, and definitely not a habit we should be dropping," she told </span><a href="https://style.nine.com.au/beauty/why-it-is-important-to-wear-sunscreen-inside/eb7fb76c-73dc-4e38-85e2-030bebe08eed"><span style="font-weight: 400;">9Honey</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even though we’re spending more time inside, depending on our furniture set up, we can still be impacted by UV rays. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We're still getting lots of UVA damage through any windows in our house," says Ava. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"These aren't the cancer or burning rays but they do have the most impact in terms of ageing and skin damage."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even something as simple as going outside for a lunchtime stroll or tending to your garden can be damaging to your skin if you’re not using SPF. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"The UV index is still really high and remains this way for most of the year in Australia so we can't be complacent about SPF use," warns Ava.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Yes, you may not need to reapply as regularly ... but that one application in the morning is super important."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So in the morning, remember to apply your SPF to fight early signs of ageing and protect your skin from the hard sun. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Shutterstock</span></em></p>

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Study reveals Aussies don’t prioritise UV protection for their eyes

<p>We’re the land of sun and surf but that title comes at a cost. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world and each year Aussies are four times more likely to develop skin cancer than any other form. Despite this, a recent poll commissioned by Specsavers revealed that 57 per cent of Australians do not prioritise UV protection for their eyes.</p><p>The Galaxy Research survey found that Australians prioritise style, comfort and cost when they purchase new sunglasses, rather than looking at the UV protection offered. The survey also found that more than a third of the population do not even check if their sunglasses offer UV protection. A national standard for sunglasses was introduced in Australia in 1971 to better inform people when purchasing lenses. All sunnies sold in Australia must be labelled and categorised under a five-tier classification system ranging from fashion spectacles that provide little UV protection to sunglasses with high protection. Despite this, only 4 per cent of surveyed Aussies checked if their lenses met with Australian standards.</p><p>“As we head into another hot summer, it’s a concern that so many Australians are not prioritising UV protection when choosing sunglasses,” says Specsavers Optometrist and Director of Professional Services, Peter Larsen.&nbsp;</p><p>“Although the eyelid is designed to protect the eye, the skin is very thin and contains fragile tissues that can be damaged by UV light,” explains Mr. Larsen, adding, “UV damage to the eye and eyelid can cause serious conditions such as eyelid skin cancers, melanoma, conjunctival cancers, macular degeneration and more.”</p><p>The survey also found that eye tests are a low priority for many Australians. While one in five get routinely checked for sun spots, just 6 per cent of Australians have regular eye tests.</p><p>“These days most people know about the damage UV rays can cause to the skin. However, it can also have severe effects on the delicate eye area. For most people I recommend they get an eye test every two years to keep their eye health in check,” Mr Larsen says.</p><p>“The key to keeping your eyes safe in the sun is wearing lenses that block UV, which offer a strong defence against eye and eyelid damage. Check with your optometrist to ensure your prescription sunglasses meet the Australian Standard.’”</p><p><a href="/health/eye-care/2015/01/what-are-protective-sunglasses/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Related link: How to check for UV protection in sunglasses&nbsp;</strong></span></a></p>

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