Health & Safety

New York NY Health & Safety

Health & Safety come in many forms. Most of us pass through our homes, and the buildings we work in with little thought about the natural light that keeps our spaces lit. But the UV rays of the sun, even when shining on a lovely summer afternoon through our windows, can have very real and harmful effects on our health and on our furnishings.

As much as we all love the sun, we also know how damaging and even dangerous exposure to the sun can be. Discomforting glare and heat are the most obvious, but exposure to UV rays have also been associated by the medical community with premature aging of the skin, as well as some skin cancers, including melanoma.

Health & Safety

"For many years I have recommended solar control window film to my clients to protect their valuable possessions, floors and furnishings from the ravages of the sun," says New York residential designer Kathryn Van der Kloot. "Since being diagnosed with melanoma 3 years ago, I also realize the true benefits of protecting myself and others from UV, even in the home environment."
Read the complete Case Study: Sunroom Sun Safety

All VISTA and LLumar window films with UVShield technology carry The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which ensures that a sun protection product is safe and effective.

Skin Cancer Foundation

Vista Warranties

Doctors recommend that people take steps to help prevent and reduce the risk of melanoma caused by UV radiation:

  • Avoid exposure to the midday sun (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) whenever possible. When your shadow is shorter than you are, remember to protect yourself from the sun.
  • If you must be outside, wear long sleeves, long pants, and a hat with a wide brim.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation that can penetrate light clothing, windshields, and windows.

    National Cancer Institute

  • Protect yourself from UV radiation reflected by sand, water, snow, and ice.
  • Help protect your skin by using a lotion, cream, or gel that contains sunscreen. Many doctors believe sunscreens may help prevent melanoma, especially sunscreens that reflect, absorb, and/or scatter both types of ultraviolet radiation. These sunscreen products will be labeled with "broad-spectrum coverage." Sunscreens are rated in strength according to a sun protection factor (SPF). The higher the SPF, the more sunburn protection is provided. Sunscreens with an SPF value of 2 to 11 provide minimal protection against sunburns. Sunscreens with an SPF of 12 to 29 provide moderate protection. Those with an SPF of 30 or higher provide the most protection against sunburn.
  • Wear sunglasses that have UV-absorbing lenses. The label should specify that the lenses block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Sunglasses can protect both the eyes and the skin around the eyes.

Source: National Cancer Institute
(http://www.cancer.gov/ cancertopics/wyntk/melanoma/ page7/print)