May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

ST. LOUIS - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN), manufacturer of LLumar® window film, is educating consumers on the risk of sun damage in places that may surprise people. To help kick off Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Eastman will be providing skin protection tips and hosting a sweepstakes on their Facebook page May 8-30th. The sweepstakes winner will receive free window film professionally installed on their vehicle and $1,000 Visa® prepaid card. Additionally, the company has partnered with The Skin Cancer Foundation to make a free, downloadable brochure (PDF) about window film available to the public, dermatologists and window film distributors. The brochure outlines the danger of UV rays that can penetrate glass, and discusses how window film can protect people while in their home, in the office and while driving.

Many people are unaware that the sun's harmful rays can penetrate glass – both in cars and buildings. Scientific research shows that drivers are especially vulnerable on the left side of their bodies, where they are exposed to harmful ultraviolet A (UVA) rays from side windows in cars, which are typically unprotected. The average American spends more than 101 minutes a day in a car, and most of that time, they are inadvertently exposing themselves to damaging rays.

"Damage from certain kinds of ultraviolet rays is cumulative," says Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, vice-chair of the dermatology department at St. Louis University.  "These rays, called UVA rays, penetrate deep into the skin and can silently accelerate the aging process, cause wrinkles and even skin cancer."  Unlike UVB rays, which create immediate effects like blistering and burns, UVA rays create long-term damage that is not immediately noticeable. "That's why many people don't realize their skin is getting damaged from sitting near windows in cars or even at their desks at work," says Dr.  Glaser.   

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends adopting a complete sun protection regimen which includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use. The Foundation also emphasizes the importance of sun protection while driving. Using high performance window film (sometimes referred to as tint) in a car offers all-day protection.