Window Film Can Safeguard Both People & Furnishings From Indoor UV Rays
Ultraviolet (UV) rays should be a major concern for anyone looking to maintain positive skin health. According to the CDC, overexposure to UV radiation may lead to sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer — not to mention additional complications connected to each of these ailments. In turn, protection from ultraviolet rays should be a priority for everyone.
The threat of ultraviolet exposure isn’t just outdoors. UV can penetrate inside too, potentially leading to health complications even within your home or business. How does ultraviolet get indoors, and what can property owners do to stop it?
At Window Film Depot, we’re here to answer your questions and provide the solutions you need. Read on to discover how UV gets inside, alongside four types of window film that can minimize the damaging impact of ultraviolet within your interior.
Can You Get UV Rays Indoors?
Yes, you can get UV rays inside your house or business — and they can be quite harmful. As with exposure to UV rays under any circumstance, significant exposure to indoor UV rays can lead to major negative health implications for humans, including skin cancer, premature aging, and sunburns. Beyond people, indoor UV rays can also cause damage to furniture — leading to faded colors, discolored textiles, and eventually breakage. How, then, does UV rays get inside?
Do Indoor Lights Have UV Rays?
Indoor lights may or may not emit small amounts of UV rays; whether they do or don’t, the level of radiation pales in comparison to the UV rays emitted from the sun. Scientists disagree over the exact levels of UV exposed via different types of lights — with various different levels associated with incandescent bulbs and fluorescent bulbs. This disagreement also extends to the long-term dangers of UV exposure.
One published study from 2010 theorizes that chronic exposure to top light bulbs could ultimately result in a significant accumulation of damage; another study from 2015 theorizes lamps and electronic devices do not emit UVÂ at all, thus posing no health risk for the population. Research on this subject is both sparse and conflicting, but ultimately scientists do agree on one thing: one-time exposure to UV rays from indoor lights pose no immediate risk to humans, such as sunburn or eye damage.
Do Glass Windows Let In UV Rays?
Standard glass windows let in a high level of UV radiation — making them the far more dangerous source of UV rays indoors. According to the International Ultraviolet Association, normal glass is transparent to UV radiation to a wavelength of about 330 nm. This means that UVA rays — the main cause of premature skin aging and a major contributor to the development of skin cancer — can penetrate glass. In turn, windows are letting in a significant amount of indoor UV rays; enough to be dangerous.
How to Minimize UV Rays Indoors Using Window Film
While employees, customers, and residents of buildings with ample natural light should take personal caution to minimize UV exposure, property-owners can take significant measures to reduce UV rays within their buildings. One key means to do so is window film — which can further reduce the UV transparency of traditional glass and block up to 99% of harmful UV rays without sacrificing natural light.
Window Film Depot offers a wide variety of window films that can help minimize indoor UV exposure. Here are four key solutions — amongst many — that we can help install.
3Mâ„¢ Safety & Security Window Film Solar Safety Series for Commercial
Built for protection from both sunlight and intruders, 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film Solar Safety Series for Commercial combines the benefits of 3M Safety Series with 3M Sun Control film for a holistic package. Altogether, this film offers the UV protection you’re looking for alongside extensive ballistic resistance — ideal for property-owners worried about safety threats such as smash-and-grab crime.
3Mâ„¢ Sun Control Window Film Neutral Series for Commercial
3M™ Sun Control Window Film Neutral Series Commercial provides substantial rejection of harmful UV rays and significantly reduces interior glare — leading to reduced eye discomfort for people inside of your property. The Neutral Series offers all of this protection through a variety of soft, tinted hues, giving a relaxed, laid-back aesthetic to your windows and interior.
3Mâ„¢ Sun Control Window Films, Ceramic Series for Commercial
Leveraging advanced ceramics that allow them to maintain their color and appearance over time, 3Mâ„¢ Sun Control Window Films, Ceramic Series for Commercial offer extensive protection from the sun. Not only does the Ceramic Series block 99% of UV rays, but the film also rejects up to 80% of infrared light and up to 59% of heat. Non-metallized, this film comes in a natural tone that still provides incredible clarity.
3Mâ„¢ Sun Control Window Films, Night Visionâ„¢ Series for Commercial
Looking for enhanced views with lower interior reflectivity? 3M™ Sun Control Window Films, Night Vision™ Series for Commercial allow 15% to 35% of natural light into rooms by day, while still offering beautiful views at night. Of course, this film also provides impressive UV rejection, while additionally rejecting up to 71% of the sun’s heat. This film’s greater reflectivity also provides enhanced interior privacy.
Protect Your Interior from UV Rays and Other Threats With Window Film Depot
Window Film Depot provides window film solutions for comprehensive glass concerns — from active shooter mitigation through UV protection. Family owned and operated since 1992, our expert team listens directly to client needs before determining the perfect type of window film to serve their unique needs. Contact us today so we can discover how we can help you.
