Solar Gard, a division of Saint-Gobain and dealing in automotive and architectural window films, has launched a novel product, Solar Gard Ultragard UV that is specifically designed for trucks. Solar Gard is an International Window Film Association (IWFA) member.
Most of the large trucks in the US are not fixed with laminated side windows or window films, which may cause damage to truck drivers, since they are exposed to UV rays. In most of the cases, exposure to UV-A rays may result in skin cancer.
According to the studies conducted on skin cancer in the US, the driver’s side or the left side of the body has been affected by skin cancer in 53% of cases. To make it worse, the truck drivers travel up to 60 h/wk on road, hence the risk of melanoma or skin cancer is higher for them.
IWFA had realized this problem and discussed this issue with the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the US. Consequently, the FMCSA clarified the safety regulation, which permitted the vehicles to use “clear” window films.
The Solar Gard Ultragard UV window film has been developed according to the FMCSA specifications and protects drivers from 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays. These films have more than 70% net Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) for trucks with more than 26,001 lbs weight, which provides clarity for viewing through windows. Hence, fleet managers, owners and drivers can use these films.
As long as it meets the local tint laws, the window film is already allowed to use in light vehicles, including cars and vans. The Solar Gard Ultragard UV film complies with the tint law standards in almost all 50 states. Moreover, this window film has been proposed by the Skin Cancer Foundation.