Medical researchers in the United States learned that when skin cancer occurred only on one side of the body, it was most often the left side. In fact, 52 percent of melanoma cases and 53 percent of Merkel cell carcinoma cases, two of the most deadly types of skin cancer, occurred only on the left side of the body, on areas like the upper arms. This led researchers to connect sun exposure while driving with these deadly skin cancers.

Although skin cancers linked to driving are less likely to occur in people who only drive short periods of time, drivers behind the wheel for longer periods of time, like truck drivers, are at a higher risk of skin cancer. Driving with your windows open, the convertible top down, or without applying sunscreen also can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

HOW WINDOW TINT WORKS

UV radiation is part of the natural energy the sun produces. On the electromagnetic spectrum, UV light has shorter wavelengths than visible light. While you cannot see UV rays, your skin most certainly feels it.

Window tint is made of a special material that protects your skin by blocking up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays. A recent study showed that when sunlight was filtered through UV-absorbing glass, like glass with a window tint, skin cell death was reduced by 93 percent. Thus, applying a window tint is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer over time, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

And it’s not just inside your car, home and commercial building  Any time you sit near an open window, you’re risking exposure to UVA rays. prematurely aging your skin, and getting a sunburn.

UV EXPOSURE FACTORS

The strength of the sun’s UV rays depends on a number of things, aside from whether you’re wearing sunscreen. According to the American Cancer Society, these factors include:

• Time of day. UV rays are the strongest at mid-day time.

• UV rays are stronger in the spring and summer.

• Distance from the equator. UV exposure goes down as you get further from the equator, which is good news for us here inKansas City.

• Altitude. More UV rays reach the ground at higher elevations, because it’s technically closer to the sun. This also is good news for most areas of Kansas City.

• Cloud cover. While cloud effects can vary, UV rays can still get to the ground on an overcast day but worse when there is no clouds.

• Reflection off surfaces. UV rays bounce off certain surfaces and back up onto your skin. These surfaces include water, sand, snow, or pavement – bad news for Jersey Shore residents!