The Winter Sun Brings Light and Warmth Indoors, But May Cause Skin Cancer Too

Dangerous UV Rays Can Stream Through Windows To Damage Skin and Eyes Warns The International Window Film Association

News provided by

International Window Film Association

Nov 19, 2012, 10:48 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wintertime protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays inside a home or office is seldom a thought for concern, but many health experts warn that it's something we all need to be aware of, according to the International Window Film Association (IWFA).

"Many health organizations, from university hospitals and medical research groups, all agree that UVA is damaging to skin and eyes on a variety of levels, from wrinkles to cancer to cataracts," said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. "A cost-effective and safe solution that starts working immediately is window film. It blocks up to 99 percent of harmful UVA rays, plus delivers many other benefits," he added.

The nonprofit group points out the sun's UVA spectrum passes through glass easily and it's linked to skin cancer and other health problems, while UVB rays that cause sunburn are mostly deflected by glass.

"In winter UVA penetration inside a home can be significant. This is because the increasingly horizontal angle of winter daylight hits windows straight on and can be intensified when sunlight bounces off the snow pack," according to the IWFA.

In fact, the IWFA suggests that parents should think twice before placing toddlers in front of a window for sunlight and warmth, as 75 percent of UVA will pass into the home and onto the skin where exposed.

To learn about sunlight and window film, the IWFA offers a free consumer booklet about window film and its benefits, such as:

Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
Slows fading of furnishings
Protects from harmful UV rays
Virtually clear, allowing natural light in
Some films can reflect a home's interior heat back inside
A more even temperature by reducing hot spots
Easy to Install and will last for years

The booklet can be downloaded at the IWFA website: http://www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/IWFAWindowFilmBooklet.aspx.

About the International Window Film Association
The International Window Film Association (IWFA) is a nonprofit organization of window film dealers, distributors, and manufacturers that facilitates the growth of the industry by providing unbiased research, influencing policy and promoting consumer awareness of the many benefits of window film.

Contact:
Steve Capoccia
Warner Communications
[email protected]
Twitter: stevecapoccia
617 372 1539

SOURCE International Window Film Association