July is UV Safety Awareness Month! The purpose of this month is to raise awareness about the importance of UV protection. Many of us spend our days outside at the pool, on the beach, or simply enjoying a walk. While UV protection is essential for our skin and eyes outdoors, we aren’t entirely out of harm’s way indoors. UV rays can enter indoors through windows, wreaking havoc on furniture, flooring, artwork, and occupants’ skin! Learn why it’s essential to protect yourself from UV rays and how you can do so both outdoors and indoors.
The Impact of UV Exposure
Fading in Furniture, Flooring, & Artwork
UV rays are the leading cause of fading in furnishings. They can enter through windows and cause irreversible damage over time to hardwood flooring, furniture, and artwork. The result is not only damaged belongings, but you may have to replace these items over time, which can be costly.
Eye Problems
Did you know that your eyelid is the thinnest skin on your body? Because of this, over-exposure to UV rays can cause wrinkles and dryness. It can also cause corneal damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration over time, impacting your vision.
Creates Premature Aging and Wrinkles
In the short term, too much UV exposure can cause sunburn. However, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging and wrinkles in our skin. In addition to aging, it can cause liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis.
Potential Health Issues
While sunburn causes short-term, temporary pain, it can lead to health issues down the line, like skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S. In fact, UV exposure that leads to sunburn is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as melanoma. While skin cancer is the most common, you can reduce the likelihood of developing it by taking steps to protect yourself.
How to Protect Yourself from UV Rays
UV rays can cause harm to our skin, our eyes, and our possessions. However, by taking the proper steps to protect yourself and your property, you can minimize the negative impact of UV rays.
When Outside
Before going outside, take the proper steps to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen every day! Additionally, if you’re planning on spending extended time outside, reapply your sunscreen. Wear a hat and stay in the shade if possible to limit your time in the sun! To protect your eyes, invest in sunglasses that offer UV protection.
When Indoors
While you should be applying sunscreen daily, if you’re not planning on going outdoors, this may seem like a silly way to protect yourself when you’re inside. Not to mention, your belongings remain unprotected! Luckily, 3M window film is a solution that provides UV protection indoors.
Achieve Around-the-Clock UV Protection with Window Film
3M window films reject up to 99.9% of UV rays to minimize fading and prolong the life of furnishings! Not to mention, it does so without eliminating sunlight, so you can still enjoy a naturally lit space. Not only does it protect property, but it can protect occupants’ skin! In addition to UV protection, 3M Sun Control offers various benefits, including:
- Heat rejection
- Temperature regulation
- Lower energy bills
- Reduced glare
Contact one of our team members to learn more about the benefits of 3M window film! We can work with you to find the perfect window film for your residential or commercial space.
During UV Safety Awareness Month, be sure to take steps to protect yourself from UV rays, whether you’re inside or outside. While they are very harmful, there are many ways to prevent damage to our belongings, eyes, and skin.
New York Window Film provides high-quality products and window film installations to Metropolitan New York, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. With window film solutions for both residential and commercial spaces, our products can help you achieve anything from sun control and security to decorative enhancement and privacy. Call us at (631) 420-4101 or (212) 256-1414 for more information, or click here for a no-obligation estimate.
