UV Index: The Sun Safety ScaleThe Ultraviolet (UV) Index, developed in 1994 by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), helps Americans plan outdoor activities to avoid overexposure to UV radiation and thereby lower their risk of adverse health effects. UV radiation exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer, cataracts, and other illnesses. The incidence of skin cancer, including melanoma, has increased significantly in the United States since the early 1970s
The UV Index is a useful tool to help the general public take steps to reduce their exposure to solar UV radiation, but its effectiveness depends on how well the information is communicated to the public.
UV Index Scale Explained:
0-2: LowA UV Index reading two or lower means there is a minimal risk of sunburn for the average person. At this level it is suggested to wear sunglasses, use broad spectrum sunscreen and watch out for bright surfaces like sand, water and snow which reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure. The time to burn can vary by skin type, but at a low UV level it is approximately 60 minutes.3-5: ModerateA UV Index reading between 3 and 5 means there is a moderate risk of sunburn for the average person. At this level it is suggested to seek shade between 10AM and 4PM when the sun’s rays are its strongest. Wearing protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, is a great way to limit exposure. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours, even on cloudy days, and reapplied after swimming or sweating. The time to burn can vary by skin type, but at a moderate UV level it is approximately 30 to 45 minutes.6-7: HighA UV Index reading 6 or 7 puts you at a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following the steps from the moderate level is suggested. The time to burn can vary by skin type, but at a high UV level it is approximately 15 to 25 minutes.
8-10: Very HighA UV Index reading 8 to 10 puts you at a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take extra precautions for both your skin and eyes because damage occurs quickly, typically within 15 minutes. Try to minimize your sun exposure during peak sun times, but if not possible then diligently apply and re-apply sunscreen and SPF lip balm.11 or more: ExtremeA UV Index reading 11 or higher puts you in a very dangerous spot for sunburn with damage occurring in less than 10 minutes if unprotected. At this level it is best to avoid all sun exposure between 10AM and 4PM.Find out the UV Index Level near you and protect yourself from damaging skin exposure. Research has shown that getting severe sunburn, just once every two years, can triple the risk of melanoma skin cancer.Be ProactiveRemember, early detection saves lives and a simple, yearly in-office skin screening with your local dermatologist can mean the difference between life and death.
Video from Skin Cancer Foundation's article,"For(e)going Good Sun Protection Habits on the Golf Course":
Why is Increased UV Protection Important, and What Can Evolution Windshield's Do About It?
1. Skin Cancer PreventionGolfers are exposed to the sun for hours at a time, increasing their risk of skin cancer, including melanoma and other forms of skin damage. A windshield that blocks 99% of UVA and UVB rays provides an additional layer of protection against prolonged sun exposure.
2. Reduced Premature Aging & Skin DamageUV rays accelerate skin aging, leading to wrinkles, sunspots, and leathery skin. Protecting against direct and reflected UV exposure helps golfers maintain healthier skin.
3. Eye Protection & Vision ClarityUV radiation can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, and eye strain. A high-quality UV-blocking windshield reduces glare and shields golfers’ eyes from harmful exposure, improving visibility and comfort.
4. Enhanced Comfort & PerformanceExcessive UV exposure can cause heat exhaustion, sunburns, and fatigue. A UV-protective windshield helps maintain a more comfortable ride.
5. Misleading UV Protection Claims in the MarketStandard golf cart windshields often provide minimal UV defense, not UV blocking, despite claims suggesting otherwise.
6. Innovation in Golf Cart Safety & Health AwarenessThe golf industry is evolving, and protecting players from UV radiation should be a standard safety feature, just like seatbelts in cars. Raising awareness about UV risks and offering innovative solutions helps improve overall player safety.
While we take great pride in Evolution's added layer of defense—and are confident you'll appreciate the safety and cooling benefits—we still encourage everyone to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat as additional precautions. Your protection is our priority, both on and off the green. ⛳☀️
3. Eye Protection & Vision ClarityUV radiation can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, and eye strain. A high-quality UV-blocking windshield reduces glare and shields golfers’ eyes from harmful exposure, improving visibility and comfort.
4. Enhanced Comfort & PerformanceExcessive UV exposure can cause heat exhaustion, sunburns, and fatigue. A UV-protective windshield helps maintain a more comfortable ride.
5. Misleading UV Protection Claims in the MarketStandard golf cart windshields often provide minimal UV defense, not UV blocking, despite claims suggesting otherwise.
6. Innovation in Golf Cart Safety & Health AwarenessThe golf industry is evolving, and protecting players from UV radiation should be a standard safety feature, just like seatbelts in cars. Raising awareness about UV risks and offering innovative solutions helps improve overall player safety.
While we take great pride in Evolution's added layer of defense—and are confident you'll appreciate the safety and cooling benefits—we still encourage everyone to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat as additional precautions. Your protection is our priority, both on and off the green. ⛳☀️
During our research for the Evolution windshield, we consulted with Dr. Paul Charp, a governmental health physicist with over 30 years of experience in the fields of environmental health physics, radiation biology, and radiation safety. He has evaluated the public health impacts from hazardous waste sites contaminated with radioactive materials, including sites related to the Manhattan Project as well as uranium mining and milling.
Besides working in the public health sector, he is also a part-time instructor in the radiological and nuclear engineering and medical physics programs at Georgia Tech. While in the former Biology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Paul studied the effects of ultraviolet light on the damage and repair of human cells at the molecular and biochemical levels. A member of the HPS since 1989, he has served on many committees and is a member of the Homeland Security, Medical Physics, and Environmental/Radon Sections. According to Dr. Charp, “The use of a window film with the ability to block both ultraviolet A (UV-A) or UV-B radiation present in sunlight will provide some protection from the harmful effects of these types of radiation. These sunscreens can reduce, but not eliminate, the change of several types of skin diseases and conditions. Among these are skin cancers, accelerated skin aging, wrinkling, and loss of skin resilience. Because of the potential protection from the harmful effects of UV radiation, I recommend that Ultraviolet blocking window films should be a fixture on low speed vehicles, such as golf carts.” Paul A. Charp, Ph.D.Fellow, Health Physics SocietyGeorgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)Nuclear & Radiological Engineering and Medical Physics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Besides working in the public health sector, he is also a part-time instructor in the radiological and nuclear engineering and medical physics programs at Georgia Tech. While in the former Biology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Paul studied the effects of ultraviolet light on the damage and repair of human cells at the molecular and biochemical levels. A member of the HPS since 1989, he has served on many committees and is a member of the Homeland Security, Medical Physics, and Environmental/Radon Sections. According to Dr. Charp, “The use of a window film with the ability to block both ultraviolet A (UV-A) or UV-B radiation present in sunlight will provide some protection from the harmful effects of these types of radiation. These sunscreens can reduce, but not eliminate, the change of several types of skin diseases and conditions. Among these are skin cancers, accelerated skin aging, wrinkling, and loss of skin resilience. Because of the potential protection from the harmful effects of UV radiation, I recommend that Ultraviolet blocking window films should be a fixture on low speed vehicles, such as golf carts.” Paul A. Charp, Ph.D.Fellow, Health Physics SocietyGeorgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)Nuclear & Radiological Engineering and Medical Physics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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We also took into consideration remarks from the likes of MD Anderson Cancer Center, as they state: "One of the most important things you can do to reduce your cancer risk is to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation... UV rays are the part of sunlight that causes skin cancer and skin aging... Anyone can develop skin cancer, no matter how dark their skin. You can protect your skin by taking steps to avoid and protect yourself from UV rays."
https://www.mdanderson.org/prevention-screening/manage-your-risk/skin-safety.html
