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Journal article
Evaluation of UV-A and UV-B transmission through the windows of gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles
Archives of dermatological research = Archiv für dermatologische Forschung, v 317(1), 294
18 Jan 2025
PMID: 39825984
Featured in Collection : Research Supported by Drexel Libraries' OA Programs
Abstract
UV-A exposure is a major risk factor for melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer, photoaging, and exacerbation of photodermatoses. Since people spend considerable time in cars daily, inadequate UV-A attenuation by car windows can significantly contribute to the onset or exacerbation of these skin diseases. Given recent market trends in the automobile industry and known impact of car windows on cumulative lifelong UV damage to the skin, there is a need to comparatively evaluate UV transmission across windows in electric vehicles (EV), hybrid vehicles (HV), and gas vehicles (GV) as well as variability based on year of manufacture and mileage to inform car manufacturers and consumers of the potential for UV exposure to the skin based on vehicle. To compare UV-A and UV-B transmission through EV, HV, and GV windows to evaluate differences in UV protection offered by various vehicle types. Comparative observational study that took place between June 10, 2024 and August 2, 2024. Outdoor setting with natural light exposure at car dealerships in Philadelphia, PA and New York, NY. 34 vehicles—15 gas vehicles (GV), 9 hybrid vehicles (HV), 10 electric vehicles (EV)—ranging from 2015 to 2025. Window status, with UV transmission measurements recorded with windows open and closed. UV-A and UV-B transmission through car windows was measured using UV transmission meters. The percent reduction in transmission was calculated. The front windshield and driver side window have statistically significant differences in UV-A attenuation across all vehicles with an average of 99.25% and 88.78% (p < 0.001), respectively. GV, HV, and EV all demonstrated significant differences in UV-A attenuation in most other vehicle windows compared to the front windshield. For GV, the front windshield, rear side windows (p = .176, p = .578) and back windshield (p = .457) blocked more UV-A than the front side windows. EV offered greater UV-A attenuation at the front and back windshield (p = .09) but not for any side windows, and HVs showed consistent differences in UV-A protection between the front windshield and all other windows. Domestic GV, trucks and luxury vehicles had no significant differences in UV-A attenuation across windows indicating reduced UV-A exposure for driver and passengers, whereas non-luxury vehicles had a notable difference in UV-A protection between the front windshield and all other windows. Regression analysis found mileage, not year of manufacture, to be a significant predictor of driver’s side UV-A attenuation, with more UV-A attenuation as vehicle mileage increases. Most vehicles evaluated offer effective UV-A and UV-B protection from the front windshield but lack sufficient UV-A protection for drivers nor consistently to other passengers with notable exceptions seen with domestic GV, trucks, and luxury vehicles. Mileage and not year of manufacture also contributed to additional UV-A attenuation. This underscores the importance of patient education on this known source for cumulative lifetime UV exposure and need for continued sun safety measures even while driving given potential UV-A impact on the skin.
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Details
- Title
- Evaluation of UV-A and UV-B transmission through the windows of gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles
- Creators
- Erum Naseem Ilyas (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University, College of MedicineGrace E. Axelson - Drexel UniversityJemima Ofelia Constanza - Drexel University, College of MedicineRyan Rezaee - Drexel UniversityAva AxelsonAlly CenciAva KhanRina Mary Weimann - Drexel University, Dermatology
- Publication Details
- Archives of dermatological research = Archiv für dermatologische Forschung, v 317(1), 294
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- Hertz Car Sales Philadelphia, Pacifico Ford in Philadelphia, Pacifico HyundaiNew York City: Santiago Auto Mall CorpTesla (Soho location)Major World ToyotaFord
We gratefully appreciate the cooperation of the following car dealerships that allowed data collection with no monetary incentive. In Philadelphia: CarMax King of Prussia, Hertz Car Sales Philadelphia, Pacifico Ford in Philadelphia, Pacifico Hyundai. In New York City: Santiago Auto Mall Corp, Tesla (Soho location), Major World, as well as Major World Toyota, Ford, and Hyundai branches. We would like to acknowledge Pedro Mercedes, BA for helping with data collection throughout various car dealerships in New York City.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Medicine; Dermatology
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001400510600020
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85216204720
- Other Identifier
- 991022019119704721
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- Web of Science research areas
- Dermatology