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?
