In a “Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer,” the United States Surgeon General, Boris D. Lushniak, has issued a public warning regarding the dangers of high exposure to UV radiation. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., and Lushniak notes that melanoma rates have tripled over the last 30 years in an interview with The Washington Post. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, responsible for 9,000 fatalities each year.
The report also highlights steps that individuals, parents, educators, employers, policy makers, health care professionals and communities can take to lower the incidence of the preventable disease.
Stemming rising rates of skin cancer requires a full-scale response from all parties, with employers playing an important role in prevention.
One suggestion the report makes is for employers to incorporate greater sun safety measures and employee training into their workplaces. Window films offer one solution to reducing exposure to harmful UV rays. The report suggests that employers should “consider policies to reduce UV exposure from other environmental factors, such as reflective surfaces.” “Modifications to glass in windows” can reduce the amount of UV exposure, the report highlights. 3M sun control window film rejects between 60 and 70 percent of heat coming through windows.
Employees who work outdoors are most susceptible to overexposure to UV rays, but the report points out that indoor workers are also at risk. It explains: “Cumulative exposure to UVA through glass windows, which block most UVB, can also cause skin damage over time.”
There are many benefits to window film, from lowering utility costs to significantly reducing harmful UV rays. For more information about window film’s benefits, explore our website, or contact us at 248-364-6667.