Did you know that excessive exposure to ultraviolet or UV radiation can cause skin cancer? While we cannot see the UV rays, they have been found to be harmful – not only can these waves kill off viruses, but even healthy body cells; at the least, cause them to mutate. Yet a vast number of people remain unaware of how harmful UV rays are in truth.
This is especially true of India, where summer wreaks havoc every year for months on end. While vitamin D is essential, excessive exposure to the sun can cause serious harm.
Here’s How UV Rays Harm Us
UV radiations include a wide spectrum of rays. There are primarily three types of UV rays which the sun emits, as mentioned below.
UVA Rays – About 90% of the rays that reach the surface of the Earth are UVA rays. Also known long-wave light, UVA rays can even penetrate the second layer of skin. These rays mostly cause sun damage, skin ageing, and wrinkling. But excessive exposure to UVA can lead to skin cancer as well.
UVB Rays – Medium-wavelength UVB rays deeply affect the topmost skin layers. Unprotected skin can become red and burn under their exposure. However, most UVB rays do not reach the Earth’s surface.
UVC Rays – Considered to be the most harmful of UV rays, UVC rays do not even reach the surface of the Earth. These rays are fully absorbed by the Ozone layer.
Of the radiation spectrum, UVA rays cause the most harm as they are not filtered by the Ozone layer. In addition to skin cancer, UV rays also cause eye issues, sun damage, premature ageing, weakened immune system, and more.
Even from a 15-minute solar exposure, one can suffer from sunburn, tanning, and skin reddening. Such harmful effects inevitably put forth serious questions about safety and wellness under the sun.
Naturally, there’s a dire need for a solution to this problem, especially since escaping these harmful rays may become quite for those living or working in tropical regions, in areas that receive direct sunlight, and the likes.
Can Glass Block UV Rays?
Put simply; the answer is both ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ Glass is a complex element which can be processed to befit any need, even heat resistance. However, in its natural state, glass has a very high surface emissivity, which means it can absorb and emit solar radiation completely.
To combat this issue, glass can be treated chemically for enhanced solar control and heat resistance properties. Glass can also be tinted or coated to block UV rays to some extent, especially in residential and commercial spaces.
For enhanced thermal comfort, you can invest in the following types of glass.
Low-E Glass
Low-E glass can block both UV and infrared rays of the sun. But visiblelight can pass easily. This is because it has ‘low’ emissivity. Consequently, the glass lowers the amount of solar radiation absorbed and transmitted. Outside heat is reduced tremendously.
For best benefits, you can install Low-E glass for skylights or bay windows to keep out harmful UV rays and still enjoy ample daylight. On the other hand, glass does not let the internal heat to move out, so you can also enjoy warmer winters.
Solar Control Glass
A protective oxide-based coating is applied to solar control glass, which reflects away most of the UV radiation. It also prevents excessive solar glare and offers overall thermal comfort. In this way, solar control glass keeps the indoors cooler and cheerful.
Solar control glass is best suited for window use. You can install it in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc. and enjoy excellent thermal comfort. It will also lower your reliance on AC as well as heating systems for energy-efficiency.
Solar-Low-E Glass
A combination of low-E and solar control glass, solar-low-E glass has a protective solar coating. It can reflect away harmful UV rays, infrared rays, and solar glare. At the same time, solar-low-E glass keeps the outside heat from seeping in or inside heat from seeping out to create a comfortable ambience indoors.
You can use solar-low-E glass for both residential and commercial applications. Keep out harmful UV radiation and benefit from improved energy efficiency. You can use the glass for façades, walkways, balconies, doors, internal partitions, windows, and much more.
To Sum Up
Many people continue to rely on curtains and blinds to prevent heat entrance. However, these methods not only block the harmful UV rays, but they also block the natural light. For a more ‘permanent’ solution, homeowners should turn to high-performance glass instead.
As you know, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause severe damage to your eyes and skin. Not to mention, excessive sun exposure can cause furniture and upholstery to fade, glass windows to crack, raise indoor heat, and whatnot. But with proper glass applications, you can cut down UV radiation significantly.
About AIS Glass
AIS Glass leads as the number one manufacturer of integrated glass in India. We offer 360-degree glass solutions for both residential and commercial use, from glass selection to installation. Get our AIS Ecosense series for enhanced thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Moreover, our installation process is quick and seamless for a hassle-free experience.
Get in touch today!