Do you prefer sitting in the shade or the sun when you’re in a car, train, or bus?
Sunlight can come through windows and make you feel hot. But can you get sunburned or hurt your skin when you’re in a car or inside with the windows shut?
Let’s talk about how much UV (ultraviolet) radiation can pass through different types of glass, how tinting can help stop UV, and if you need sunscreen when you’re driving or inside.
What’s UVA and UVB?
Most UV radiation that comes from the sun is UVA and UVB. UVB is what causes sunburn, cataracts, and skin cancer.
UVA goes deeper into your skin and can lead to skin cancer.
Does glass protect you from UV?
All glass in windows stops UVB, but only laminated glass can fully stop UVA. UVA can pass through other types of glass and damage your skin, increasing the risk of cancer.
Car windshields block UVA, but the side and rear windows don’t. Tinted windows can help protect you from UVA.
Should you wear sunscreen in the car?
If you have tinted windows, you might not need sunscreen in the car. But without tinted windows, your skin can get damaged.
Using sunscreen and sunglasses
If the UV index is high, wear sunglasses while driving or sitting by a sunny window to protect your eyes. When you need sunscreen depends on your skin type, where you are, and the time of year.
It’s important to protect yourself from UV radiation to avoid skin damage and cancer.
Vocabulary List:
- Ultraviolet /ˌʌltrəˈvaɪəlɪt/ (adjective): A type of radiation from the sun that can cause skin damage and cancer.
- Cataracts /ˈkæt.ə.rækts/ (noun): A medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque leading to vision loss.
- Tinted /tɪntɪd/ (adjective): Having a small amount of color or shade; used to reduce glare or UV exposure.
- Radiation /ˌreɪ.diˈeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): Energy that is emitted in the form of rays or waves which can be harmful.
- Skin cancer /skɪn ˈkæn.sɚ/ (noun): A type of cancer that forms in the skin cells often due to excessive UV exposure.
- Sunscreen /ˈsʌn.skrin/ (noun): A lotion that protects the skin from UV radiation.
How much do you know?
What is the main type of UV radiation that causes sunburn, cataracts, and skin cancer?
Which type of glass in windows can fully stop UVA radiation?
What can help protect you from UVA when inside a car?
When should you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation?
Should you wear sunscreen in the car if you have tinted windows?
What can happen if you are exposed to high levels of UV radiation?
UVA radiation only affects the surface of the skin.
All types of glass in windows provide the same level of protection from UVA and UVB radiation.
Tinted windows in a car can block UVA radiation.
Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from UV radiation.
Your skin is safe from UV damage if you are inside a car with windows closed.
Protecting yourself from UV radiation is essential to prevent skin cancer.
UVA goes deeper into your skin and can lead to .
Without tinted windows, your skin can get damaged from exposure to .
If you have tinted windows in the car, you might not need to apply .
When the UV index is high, it is advisable to wear to protect your eyes.
Using and can help protect yourself from UV radiation.
It is important to shield yourself from UV radiation to avoid and .
