May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month — a month dedicated to educating people on the dangers, causes, and prevention of skin cancer. While skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, it’s also America’s most common cancer. Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV rays, whether from the sun, tanning beds, or sun lamps. To lower your risk of getting skin cancer, reducing UV exposure when possible is critical, whether by avoiding tanning beds, utilizing sunscreen, or seeking shade. In addition to these precautions, did you know you can use 3M Window Film for sun protection?

UV Rays: An Invisible Threat

UV rays pose a severe threat to our skin. They not only create short-term discomfort in the form of sunburn, but can also have long-term impacts, as they are the leading cause of skin cancer. Unfortunately, we often only think of days spent in the summer sun as a time to practice sun safety. However, UV rays can cause harm year-round, even on a cloudy day. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds. That’s why it’s critical to practice sun safety, no matter the day or season, by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, or seeking shade. Not only can UV rays cause problems for us outside, but they can cause problems indoors as well. 

Are You Safe From UV Rays Inside?

While we may think we’re safe indoors, UV rays can penetrate windows and harm us even while we’re inside. More than 50% of UV rays can penetrate glass, and if you’re within several feet of a window, they can reach you. Furthermore, it’s not just our bodies that are at risk – UV rays can cause furniture, flooring, and artwork to fade. While you could try to minimize UV exposure by closing curtains and blinds, you’ll eliminate sunlight and outdoor views that windows allow. That’s where 3M Window Films come in!

3M Window Film: An Effective UV Protectant

3M Window Films can reject up to 99% of UV rays without sacrificing sunlight and outdoor views. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation recognizes window film as an effective UV protectant. Not only does window film provide the necessary protection for you and occupants of your space, but it can also significantly prolong the life of your flooring, furniture, and artwork by minimizing fading.

The Causes of Fading

UV rays aren’t the only factor that contributes to furniture fading. Visible light, solar heat, and other factors can also lead to discoloration and fading in furniture, flooring, and artwork. The breakdown is as follows:

• UV Rays: 40%
• Solar Heat: 25%
• Visible Light: 25%
• Other: 10%

Luckily, 3M Sun Control Window Film can block visible light and infrared heat in addition to UV rays to minimize fading and protect your belongings. 

Additional Benefits of 3M Window Film

3M products offer benefits beyond UV protection. 3M Sun Control Window Film products can:

• Reject Heat: Window film rejects the sun’s heat to create more comfortable interior temperatures.
• Reduce Glare: Window film minimizes eye strain and discomfort for occupants.
• Lower Energy Bills: By rejecting heat, window film improves energy efficiency and lowers energy bills.

• Add Years to the Life of HVAC Systems: By creating more comfortable and consistent interior temperatures, window film takes some of the work off of HVAC systems, prolonging their life.
• Improve Window Insulation: Some 3M products can improve the insulating properties of windows, retaining heat in the winter while rejecting heat in the summer for year-round comfort and energy savings. 

Protect Yourself, People, and Property with 3M Window Film

During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we must take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and those around us from the harmful effects of UV rays. 3M Window Film is an excellent way to keep these dangerous rays out of your space to protect both people and property, as well as provide additional benefits such as energy efficiency and glare reduction. Do your part in taking the necessary precautions outside, and let 3M Window Film provide around-the-clock sun protection when you’re inside!