How BMW and Mercedes drivers receive twice as many harmful UV rays as other motorists
The three best and worst cars for UVA protection have been revealed in new research out of the US
BMW and Mercedes drivers are twice as likely to develop cancer as a result of being exposed to harmful UV rays, a scientific study has revealed.
The side windows of some Mercedes and BMW models have been worryingly found to block less than 60 per cent of UVA - ultraviolent rays - which can cause cataracts and eye cancer.
The research, out of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Los Angeles, USA, tested 29 cars from 15 manufacturers and found while windscreens protected drivers from around 98 per cent of UVA, the side windows did not always offer similar protection.
The research found Lexus cars offered the best all-round protection, with the side-windows effectively stopping between 92 and 96 per cent of UV rays.
But the worst performing car was the 2009 Mercedes E550, which stopped just 44 per cent of UVA with its side windows.
Some of the newer BMW models also only offered 55 per cent side window protection, despite scoring 96 per cent efficiency for windscreens.
Dr Brian Boxer Wachler, who led the study which used a portable UVA light meter, said he was concerned about the lack of side window protection in luxury cars.
He said: "While the front windshields provide a high and consistent level of UVA protection, most side windows are poorly equipped to do so.
"UVA light is also linked to increased risk of cataract formation."
Even tinted windows, which use a special film to black out light, were found to be ineffective to protect someone from the UVA lights.
Instead, the tint only blocks out visible light and not the harmful UV rays.
He said the research backed up suggestions that the higher UVA light exposure through side windows could be to blame for a higher rate of cataracts on one side of the face compared to another.
A high percentage of UVA blockage, varying from 95 per cent to 98 per cent, was found in the windscreens of all the cars tested but when it came to the side windows that figure dropped to an average of just 71 per cent.
The 2012 Porsche Turbo S also scored 96 per cent UVA protection for windscreens but 56 per cent for side windows.
Audi's blocked up to 64 per cent of UVA despite their windscreens stopping 96 per cent of harmful rays.
The results even varied between different models made by the same manufacturer, with the Mercedes S Class offered 95 per cent protection in the side windows while the E Class only offered 44 per cent protection.
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Dr Boxer Wachler said: "With each automobile, we measured the external ambient UVA levels with the meter pointed towards the sun.
"The we moved the meter inside the car, on the driver's side, and again pointed it toward the sun through the side window and immediately after through the front windshield."
He said the type of glass, glass colour and coating werethe main factors behind the variable amount of UVA protection, while the year of manufacturing was not consistently significant.
He said: "Interestingly, some older cars offer a higher protection, while specific manufacturers, such as Mercedes and Lexus, have enhanced side window protection in more recent models.
"Windscreens are constructed with two glass panes having a layer of clear plastic in between, which makes the windshield shatterproof in case of accident and also contains the polymers that filter UVA light.
"Side windows, on the other hand, are made of a single glass pane that may or may not contain a high level of protective UVA filter components."
He said he hoped the study had raised awareness around the need to improve side window protection with the same recommendations potentially extending to glass for residential buildings, hospitals and schools.
CARS WITH BEST AND WORST UVA PROTECTION
BEST CARS FOR UVA PROTECTION
1. Lexus Rx350 2011 (96 per cent)
2. Mercedes S Class 5550 2013 (95 per cent)
3. VW Golf 2014 (82 per cent)
WORST CARS FOR UVA PROTECTION
1. Mercedes E550 2009 (44 per cent)
2. BMW 320i 2013 (55 per cent)
3. Porsche Turbo S 2012 (56 per cent)
*Research conducted by the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Los Angeles, USA, using a portable UVA light meter.
Leading laser eye surgeon Dr David Allamby said anyone who was regularly in their car should wear sunglasses to block out UVA rays.
He said "What's worrying for eye surgeons is that nine out of ten Brits are completely unaware that ultraviolet radiation (UV) can damage their eyes.
"Prolonged exposure to UV light can be responsible for potentially blinding ailments like cataracts, macular degeneration and even sunburn of the eyes."
He said people might suffer from sunburnt eyes, a condition known as Photokeratitis, experiencing symptoms including a "gritty" sensation or even intense pain.
He said: "Be warned: even if it's cloudy and overcast, the sun still has the power to really damage your eyes.
"That's where people slip up - they think the sun has gone in and then neglect to wear their sunglasses when they hit the road, which could cause damage to their eyes in the long term."
He said he was hopeful that more manufacturers would be aware of the need to improve the sun safety of car windows.
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