Wear gloves to avoid cancer in the car, drivers warned

A recent news article written by Martin Johnston appearing in the New Zealand Herald on January 19th, 2010, has suggested that people should wear gloves when driving.

The article highlights the myth that glass protects against the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause malignant melanoma and other skin cancers. Plain, clear vehicle glass blocks only 37 per cent of UV-A radiation.

The main risk comes from long or frequent trips exposed to sun through side windows. Those who spend extended periods of time in a vehicle during summer particularly those who drove as part of their work are encouraged by the article to wear long-sleeves and apply sunscreen to any exposed areas of skin. It is also important to wear sunglasses.

An alternative to consistently and correctly applying sunscreen to their hands is the option to wear driving gloves, the article notes.

The article also lists some important elements to be aware of when driving in the sun:

Clear auto-glass blocks 97 per cent of UV-B radiation and 37 per cent of UV-A
Laminated windscreens block all UV-B and 80 per cent UV-A
Clear windscreen films block up to 97 per cent of UV-A
Clear or tinted films on side windows reduce UV-A and B by varying amounts, depending on product.

Hope you found this as interesting as I did.

If you are concerned about any new or changing lesions on yourself or a loved one, make an appointment at one of our clinics today.

Please email me at ian.katz@southernsun.com.au with any suggestions about how I can improve this communication.

Regards Dr Ian Katz, Director.