Vehicle window tinting as a health measure
In today’s more information-savvy society, consumers expect more value for their money – and real value, at that. For instance, vehicle window tinting was seen as a way to make a statement in the past; now, more practical and health-related concerns come to mind.

With technological advancements and variations in window films and tinting methods (ranging from reflective or hybrid and high-performance tinting to metalised and metal films) consumers have the benefit of greater choice.

Beyond the satisfaction of having a customised car, research has shown that vehicle window tinting materials can:

- contribute to heat reduction,
- increase glare deflection,
- afford security and privacy and
- provide much-needed protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

As a result, vehicle window tinting can be seen as a tool for improving the physical health of today’s drivers.

The broad benefits of window tinting

Over the years, many practical benefits of window tinting have been cited:
- Tinted windows can block infrared rays during hot summer days and offer heat rejection up to 69%, thereby keeping a car cooler and allowing the driver and passengers a greater sense of calm.
- Tinted windows offer a form of privacy and security, ensuring that potential criminals cannot see into a car and decreasing the chances that they break in.
- Tinted windows offer safety. In the case of an accident, tint-fortified glass that is largely shatter-proof is unlikely to shatter and injure an accident victim.
- Tinted windows can retain the value of a car by protecting the upholstery and the interior from the harsh sun. The sun’s rays can cause cracking and fading of materials.

The list goes on… But while these factors can provide impetus for considering the benefits of tinted windows on a vehicle, it is probably the knowledge that tinted glass can protect an individual from the damaging effects of UV rays that is most appealing to the consumer.

The impact of UV rays

The World Health Organisation and many other global bodies have gone to great lengths to inform the public of the harmful health effects UV rays can have on individuals, since it has been proven that UV rays contribute to skin conditions like sunburn, premature aging and various kinds of skin cancers.

So staggering is the research, that The American Cancer Society has predicted that by 2010, approximately one million new cases of non-melanoma type skin cancers will have been diagnosed, along with an additional 50 000 melanoma cases. In addition, 10 000 people will have died from melanoma and other skin-related cancers.
Aside from the cancerous effects, UV rays are said to be a cause of damage to the eyes. This can lead to symptoms of pain, blurred vision and cataracts which, untreated, can lead to blindness. UV rays have also been found to have a detrimental impact on the body’s immune system.

The benefits of window tinting against UV radiation

While there may be mitigating causes and effects of skin cancer and visual disorders and disabilities, tinted car windows or window film coatings are being designed to combat the effects of UV rays in societies where a large part of time is spent in cars.
Indeed, modern advanced quality tinting materials can eliminate up to 99% of UV rays, before they even reach the car.

Some manufacturers even suggest that when a window film or tint is applied to glass, it can act as a solar barrier which either absorbs UV rays or deflects the energy away from the glass – thus reducing the incidents of skin disorders and cancer.
Further, it is agreed that tinted windows can ward off visual impairments by reducing the glare-impact of sun, sleet, snow, rainstorms, brightly lit areas or on-coming traffic headlights on a driver.

The value of choice

For the consumer, the power lies in knowing what products and services a manufacturer really has to offer - before making a decision. Be sure to get information about the quality of products and the warranties on offer.

For the business person or manufacturer, keeping abreast of changing trends is the best way to communicate with and understand customers’ needs. Solid information, about window tinting or any other product, can serve as a health measure, an investment or a veritable key to success.