Can Car Window Film Reduce Skin Cancer?

In Australia, we are well aware that exposure to UV rays over a period of time can lead to skin cancer, which is why the SLIP SLOP SLAP campaigns have been heavily promoted. Wearing sunscreen is now a normal event for many Aussies, but what about the transmission of UV rays through glass, specifically in vehicles?

Does auto glass stop the transmission of UV rays?

Both UVB and UVA radiation can cause skin cancer, however whilst automotive glass generally stops most of the UVB rays from entering your car, it doesn’t always stop UVA rays.

The type of glass installed in your vehicle can also make a difference to the transmission of UV rays. Laminated glass stops about 98% of UVA and UVB rays, whilst tempered glass only stops about 30% of UVA rays and up to 70% of UVB radiation.

Clearly laminated glass, which is used for windscreens is therefore the best option for preventing skin cancer. However tempered glass, which is used for both the side and rear windows isn’t much use for blocking either UVB or UVA radiation. So the obvious conclusion is that windscreens block most of these damaging rays, whilst the side and rear windows don’t do a very good job at all.

So is it worthwhile applying tinted window films to your car? Do these films reduce your risk of skin cancer through the side and rear windows?

Auto tints reduce your risk of skin cancer

The Australian Cancer Council suggests that both clear and tinted window films can significantly reduce the amount of UVA radiation transmitted through the rear and side windows. In fact, these films can block over 99% of UVA rays, which is a big jump from the 30% of untinted windows.

Both the general public and tradies or delivery drivers who spend a lot of time in commercial vehicles can reduce their risk of skin cancer by applying clear or tinted films to their vehicles. Obviously, these window tints are only going to work if the windows are kept closed, so if you always drive with the windows down, you will need to change your driving behaviour.

Automotive window film can vary in quality depending on the manufacturer. Avery Dennison Graphics has decades of experience producing high quality film for car owners seeking maximum visibility, durability and performance. View their range of automotive films.

What type of car window tints are best?

To obtain the best protection from your window tints, they must conform to state and territory regulations, however these vary across Australia. What is constant across Australia however, is the maximum darkness or visible light transmission (VLT) for the side, rear and front windscreen, as these are regulated. These VLTs exist so that your visibility isn’t reduced to dangerous levels, whilst at the same time receiving the maximum UV protection.

Whilst the VLT for all front side windows is 35% across Australia, it’s only 35% for the rear side windows and the rear window in the ACT, NSW, SA, TAS and VIC. In the NT, the rear side and rear windows require a VLT of 15%, QLD requires 20% in the rear side windows, but 35% in the rear window, whilst in the WA you need a VLT of 20% in both the rear side and rear windows. Adhering to these regulations will give you maximum protection from UV rays in your vehicle.

For the best protection from skin cancer, it’s advisable to purchase a quality window film from an authorised seller and have them fitted professionally.