Tag: UV

Dr. Larry Nichter’s Study Highlights Photoprotective Windows and Films for Reducing Skin Cancer Risk

A woman in an office exposed to UV light through the windows

People are exposed to ambient solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout their daily routines, both intentionally and unintentionally. Cumulative and excessive exposure to UV radiation is the primary behavioral cause of skin cancers, skin damage, premature skin aging, and sun-related eye disorders. In the United States alone, more than one million new cases of skin cancer were diagnosed this year.

UV radiation can reach the skin from all directions, as it is diffusely scattered by various environmental and atmospheric conditions. Even when a person is situated under a covering, such as the roof of a car or house, they are not completely protected from the sun’s rays. As shade structures do not effectively protect against UV radiation, there have been significant advancements in the photoprotection of glass through the development of specially designed photoprotective windows and films.

Low-emittance (low-E) coatings, which are microscopically thin, virtually invisible metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on window or skylight glazing surfaces, reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow and limiting UV radiation. The exclusive Thermaflect coating utilizes the most advanced, double-layer soft coat technology to deliver top performance for UV protection and prevent heat loss in homes. This product blocks 87% of UV radiation and has an Energy Star certification in all climate zones.

Tints and films have also been an essential advancement in glass photoprotection, particularly in automobiles. High-quality window film products are high-tech laminates of polyester and metallized coatings bonded by distortion-free adhesives. The International Window Film Association provides members with accreditation in solar control films, safety films, and automotive films to increase consumer awareness and demand for professionally installed film window products. The Skin Cancer Foundation has also played a leadership role in certifying window films that limit UV transmission, with the Panorama Designer and Safety Films currently recommended for UV photoprotection.

Given these innovative scientific and industrial advances in window and film photoprotective products, the study recommends their use in all residential, commercial, and school facilities to provide photoprotection and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

To learn about non-invasive and minimally invasive ways to reverse sun damage and rejuvenate your skin, please see our award-winning services, ranked the best in Orange County, California, at BioSpa and Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery. Dr. Nichter and his team are dedicated to helping patients achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin through the latest advancements in skin care and plastic surgery techniques.

Citation:

  • Edlich RF, Winters KL, Cox MJ, Becker DG, Horowitz JH, Nichter LS, Britt LD, Long WB, Edlic EC. Use of UV-protective windows and window films to aid in the prevention of skin cancer. J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2004;14(5):415-30. doi: 10.1615/jlongtermeffmedimplants.v14.i5.70. PMID: 15479155.

Updated guidelines for avoiding skin cancer

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends counseling to children and young adults (ages 10-24) with fair skin on the effects and dangers of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

Dr. Nichter of the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery would like to make blog readers aware of this new recommendation, which is an update to USPSTF’s 2003 guidelines for physicians on counseling skin cancer patients.

Since 2003, the USPSTF has found evidence that counseling for children and young adults on the risks of UV light exposure is beneficial.

From the USPSTF:

Convincing evidence relates UV radiation exposure during childhood and youth to a moderately increased risk of skin cancer later in life; for adults, adequate evidence links UV radiation exposure to a small increase in the subsequent risk of skin cancer […] Individuals with a fair skin type are at greatly increased risk of skin malignancy.

Counseling encourages people to engage in behaviors that mitigate their UV exposure such as wearing effective sunscreen, reducing midday outdoor activities, wearing hats or UV-protective clothing, and avoiding the use of tanning beds.

Dr. Larry Nichter would like readers and patients to note that although questions remain as to the direct relationship between sun exposure to an increased skin cancer risk, the risk of premature skin aging (laxity, wrinkles, and an eventual leathery appearance) seems to be directly related to cumulative sun exposure without protection for all ages.

Prospective patients who are concerned about UV-induced skin aging should take a look at the skin rejuvenation treatments available at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery.

Related internal links:

Source: Medscape Medical News

California bans use of tanning beds by minors

Ultraviolet tanning bed

Governor Jerry Brown has signed a new bill into law which will prohibit the use of ultraviolet tanning beds by people under the age of 18 in California.

California is the first state to ban minors from using tanning beds. The law is intended to protect minors from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, especially the associated increased risk of skin cancer.

“Skin cancer is a rising epidemic and the leading cause of cancer death for women between 25 and 29,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Senator Ted Lieu.

The new law goes into effect January 1, 2012.

Information and quote from State bans use of tanning beds by minors –Reuters