Most people know that too much sunlight can be a bad thing but they don’t often realize that this doesn’t just apply to the time they spend outdoors. The truth is that older windows generally have no added UV protection and allow the sun’s rays direct access to your skin. This can lead to serious issues like premature aging of your skin and even skin cancer. The good news is that replacement windows from Progressive Insulation & Windows can help.
Know your UV light definitions
To understand how windows can allow UV damage to your skin, it’s important to first understand what UV damage is. UV stands for ultraviolet and there are actually two types of ultraviolet light that can damage skin skills: UVA and UVB. Both are harmful but typical glass only blocks the UVB rays. In homes without windows that protect them, about half of UVA light can get into their home – even on days where clouds are covering the sky.
UVA damage can be serious
If you’re exposed to too much UVA light, you could end up with skin that’s aged prematurely and a higher risk of skin cancer. This is most noticeable for people who sit by a window all day, like a truck driver or someone who sits in a window at their office. Studies have shown that when a person has one side of their face toward the window for years, that side of their face will look five to seven years older than the other side.
If that’s not bad enough, there can be serious health risks too. UVA rays can get deep into our skin, which can lead to the development of basal cell carcinomas and melanomas – in other words, cancer. The good news is that you can protect yourself outside by using sunscreen, wearing a hat, and other ways to cover yourself, but many people don’t realize that it’s important to protect themselves in their homes and offices too.
How to protect your family from the dangers of UV damage in your home
The easiest and best way to protect yourself and your family at home is to ensure that your windows have the special coating offered by Progressive Insulation & Windows that screen out this UVA light. They can significantly down on the amount of UVA that gets through your windows. Think of them as a sunscreen for your house. Not only do they help keep you safer, but they can help prevent your furniture from fading too.
You can have the sun without most of the bad rays
You do want sun to stream in your home and help keep it lively but you don’t want the negative aspects of UVA rays. The best way to keep your family safe isn’t to cover every window with deep, heavy curtains from top to bottom. Instead, make sure that you’re choosing windows that offer additional UVA protection.
If you have questions about blocking out UVA light, or any other issue that involves new windows, reach out to Progressive Insulation & Windows at (800) 500-6200 today.
