UV Radiation and Glass Windows

Today, at Home Buzz, we will learn more about UV Radiation and Glass Windows. During the last few years, there has been a greater coverage in the media about the dangers of sun exposure, including a clear link between the sun and cancer. The most common advice given is to avoid sun exposure for a long period of time and to wear protective sunscreen lotions/creams. However, sun exposure can also be dangerous even if one never leaves home.  How is this?

Ordinary Glass and UV Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation can be divided into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA is the at the long end of the UV spectrum and can penetrate into the skin. UVA Radiation can have a significant effect on causing wrinkles and is also related to cancer development. UVB is at the middle range of the UV spectrum and even though it doesn't penetrate the epidermis, it can contribute to cancer development too.
The last type of UV radiation, UVC, is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, so as long as this protective layer remains stable.

Ordinary glass blocks most of UVB radiation, which is also the type of radiation that causes sunburns. Unfortunately, clear glass allows up to 75%  of UVA to pass through. Low-e emission glass without the appropriate UV protection coating, also behaves like UVA. 

How to Protect Yourself

There are two types of glass that can protect you from UVA radiation. One is laminated glass and the other is UV-blocking coated glass. However, both of these types of glass are used in special circumstances and are not common in residential areas. They also tend to be more expensive to install.

Thus, the easiest way to protect yourself indoors is through using window blinds or shades during peak hours, reducing the time near windows with high sun exposure, and arranging house furniture from being to close to windows where sun exposure is the highest. 

- Brought to you buy Wood Windows Warehouse, specializing in wooden doors and windows near Berkeley CA and around the entire bay area.