SUN may be a largely unknown concept in the UK but UV rays are present all the time –  on overcast or cloudy days too. Even though they may have been exposed to as much as 10,000 hours of UVA rays while driving in a car, most people in the UK do not protect themselves or their children with sunscreen before taking off on a trip or getting behind the wheel (on the left side of course). This and other not-so-fun  facts about UVA exposure incurred while sitting in a car are key findings in a new report commissioned by Solar Gard, a maker of UV rejecting film for windows.
“Despite the various schemes designed to raise awareness around skin cancer and sun protection in the UK, it seems that the public still take no action while sitting in their cars. Unbeknown to most, UVA rays will penetrate through cloud and so do not only pose a risk when it’s sunny, adding to the cause for concern,†stated Kathryn Giblin, vice president of marketing for, Solar Gard.
The survey of 1,000 UK residents has revealed some striking results. Â Key findings include:
- Almost half (48%) of the UK population is aware that UVA rays are a risk whilst travelling in the car
- 39% of the UK public are totally unaware that normal car windows do not block UVA rays
- 92% of respondents do not regularly apply sun cream before setting off in the car
- Just 12% of parents regularly apply sun cream to their children for a car journey
- Young adults (18-24) are 75% more likely to always apply sun cream than the national average
- Londoners are 400% more likely to always put sun cream on their children than their Scottish counterparts
- At age 50, the average adult has spent over 10,000 hours in their car
“Today’s report shows that, for most people, sun cream is either too messy or inconvenient to apply as a regular skin protection solution while travelling. We all need to acknowledge the alarming rise of skin cancer in the UK, and as we will be spending long hours in our cars this summer, it is time to look at alternative ways to cut the risk that these journeys pose to ourselves and our children,†Ms. Giblin added.
So, what’s the take home message of all this? Britains should hit their local Boots and stock up on sun protection this summer!
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