FYI: How much protection does car window glass give you from the sun's UV rays?

[elagache]

Dear mid-60s Buick caregivers who have to watch out for their own health!

I have had enough surgical procedures for skin cancer that I always should be careful about the sun.  Somehow, I never bothered to look to see if it was reasonably safe to drive around with your car windows up.  This afternoon, I had a few spare minutes so I finally looked it up.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/do-car-windows-protect-you-from-the-sun/2139733/

The synopsis is that side and back car window glass is SPF 16, which is equivalent to the weakest sun-screens commonly available.  So if you don't spend a lot of time behind the wheel, that is probably good enough to keep your arms from getting excessive UV exposure.  However, it leads to the surprising need to apply sunscreen beforehand if you are planning to drive a long distance (say to a vacation destination.)

This article from the Skin Cancer Foundation has more information on what to do before heading out on a vacation:

https://www.skincancer.org/blog/surprising-danger-planes-trains-automobiles/

While the articles don't mention classic cars, I assume that the tempered glass in our mid-60s Buicks is about the same as modern cars, so they should provide SPF 16 as well.  Still, if you have any doubts - apply sunscreen!

Written while very much indoors and away from the sun!

Edouard

[WkillGS]

Window tints can drastically reduce the transmission of harmful UV rays. That may be a good option for you, Edouard.
Ceramic tints are especially good at reducing high frequency infrared wavelengths (IR) which block heat, and can also be formulated to block low frequency Ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths.
To put 'wavelengths' into perspective, the human eye can see wavelengths  in the 450-700nm range.
UV is below that range, <400nm, and IR rays are above that range >900nm.

The arc produced by welding can also produce harmful radiation! Be sure to wear safety gear!

My doctor was telling me sun damage during childhood (severe sunburn/blistering) can lead to problems later in life.
I should pay more attention to sun protection than I do....

[elagache]

Dear Walt and mid-60s Buick caregivers,

Window tints can drastically reduce the transmission of harmful UV rays. That may be a good option for you, Edouard. . . .

Yes, that is good advice.  For the moment I'm not driving enough to need it, but should I ever get around to making extended road trips, then window tints would be a welcome alternative to constantly applying sunscreen.

My doctor was telling me sun damage during childhood (severe sunburn/blistering) can lead to problems later in life.
I should pay more attention to sun protection than I do....

You are so right! Sadly where was my doctor to warn me when I got horrible sunburns on both ears from a camping trip at Pinnacles National Monument over 30 years ago!  Unfortunately, applying sunscreen in hindsight doesn't work!  That is why I have to see my dermatologist every 3 months.

Such are da' conditions! . . . . .

Edouard