WHY SUN PROTECTION IN YOUR CAR MATTERS...

It's estimated that two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. 

Nearly 2,000 Australians die every year from skin cancer, a diagnosis that is almost entirely preventable, given the majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. (Reference 1)

Research studies consistently link over 50% of skin cancers globally to UV sun exposure whilst driving. Some studies link up to 75% of skin cancers to exposure whilst driving. The predominant skin cancer cases are noted on the driving side of the car (i.e. right hand side in Australia, left hand side in the USA).  (Reference 2 and 3)

“Trucker’s Tan” was coined by an Australian-led investigation into the impact of UV exposure while driving. Above is a well known image of an American trucker, 28 years behind the wheel, showing the impact of sun exposure on the left-hand (driving) side of his face.    

Front windshield glass blocks the majority of UV radiation (around 93%), however estimates of UVA transmission through side and rear car window tempered glass range as high as 79% when closed, and 

of course 100% when windows are wound down.  (Reference 4)

UVA rays constitute around 95% of UV radiation reaching the earth's surface, and can pass through car windows. UVA rays penetrate skin more deeply than UVB rays, and can cause sunburn, 

DNA (cell) damage in the skin and skin cancer.    

UVB rays constitute around 5% of UV radiation reaching the earth's surface, and can penetrate and damage the outermost layers of your skin. Overexposure causes sunburn and skin cancer. 

UVB rays can be filtered and do not penetrate glass.    

UV radiation can be just as high on cool or even cold days as on hot ones, especially if skies are clear. Thick cloud provides a good filter, but UV radiation can penetrate thin cloud cover. While UV radiation is higher in summer than in winter, it is still present every day of the year.    

The Cancer Council urge sun protection when UV levels are higher than 3. 

Even on cloudy days, every driver is exposed to harmful UV rays

because UV radiation can penetrate cloud cover. (Reference 5)    

The average Australian spends 55 minutes each day in their car, driving to work, their kids to school, or running errands. Often they're not wearing sunscreen, deeming it unnecessary for quick trips, unappealing to wear with professional attire, greasy/messy for the car, or they don't have a sunscreen bottle handy. On longer trips, they might not be re-applying it as directed.

For some people, unprotected skin can start to burn (visible damage) in as little as 11 minutes 

on days with extreme levels of UV radiation. (Reference 6)   

UPF50+ is the maximum UPF rating achievable, blocking 98% of UV rays, that is, only up to 2% (or 1/50th) of UV radiation can penetrate fabrics with this rating. This level of protection ensures safety from both short-term sunburn and long-term damage, such as skin cancer. (Reference 7)

Hand or gentle machine wash in cold water.   

Line dry in shade.   

Do not use chlorine based bleach or harsh detergents.   

Do not iron, dry clean or tumble dry.