Dec 3 2007
With summertime days away in the southern hemisphere, the threat from an unseen intruder significantly increases. Overexposure to UV radiation, highest during summer months, causes about 60,000 deaths a year worldwide, according to World Health Organization (WHO).
While many people protect themselves from the sun while outdoors, they may not realize the sun's damaging UV rays are also reaching them while indoors. Traditional windows in most buildings and vehicles do not block the deep UVA rays that promote skin cancers. With car travel at an all-time high and babies and children at high risk, special precautions should be taken, according to published reports by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
LLumar(R) window films provide a simple and effective form of protection from damaging radiation. When professionally installed on a building or vehicle, LLumar films eliminate 99 percent of the sun's harmful UV radiation.
The first ever in vitro study showing that window film protects against UVA and UVB rays was presented by Eric R. Bernstein, M.D. at the annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. It showed that glass fitted with LLumar film (reducing UVA and UVB transmission by 99.6 percent) resulted in a 93 percent reduction in live cell death compared with a 29 percent reduction with untreated clear glass, under conditions of simulated solar radiation, confirming growing concerns about the damage caused by UVA radiation. Details of the study are available from CPFilms(R), maker of LLumar.
In warmer climates, window film is a necessary option for many automobiles. "In the 'sun belt' countries, sales of LLumar solar control and safety films have increased significantly since the brand launched globally in 2001," says Pam Feese, marketing manager for CPFilms International Division.
"While many consumers buy films to make their cars more stylish, LLumar films also reduce heat and glare, and protect people by shielding skin and eyes from the damage of UVA radiation," says Feese. "Given recent reports on deaths from UV exposure, this may be LLumar's most valuable benefit."
In addition to sun protection, LLumar delivers a safety element by helping hold shattered glass in place in the event of accidents or attempted break-ins.