Ben Madilynn
- On Good Things Utah this morning – Nicea is back from vacation with her daughters and brought back beautiful beach pictures from the shores of North Carolina. In the spirit of vacations, TikTok’s FindingFiona posted a video earlier this year that received a lot of attention. The video garnered more than 2,000,000 views and 1,000 comments. She emphasized in the post the importance of wearing sunblock on flights. Citing reports that people suffer more damage from the sun at higher altitudes, she stressed the importance of sunscreen.
- “Even though you’re inside the aircraft, because of the high altitudes, you’re actually experiencing stronger UV radiation, especially if you’re in the window seat,” She says in the video. According to dermatologists, the TikToker’s claim is partially correct — but it’s also a little wrong. “The good news is that the true risk from one flight, or somebody who flies occasionally, is probably low,” Elizabeth Jones, assistant professor of dermatology and a physician at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia, said: Jones did note that the risk for pilots and flight crew is higher. “People who are flying occupationally, they’re going to be exposed much more to ultraviolet light given — especially, if they’re in the cockpit — the size of the windshield,” She said that given the amount of time pilots and cabin crew spend at higher altitudes, they are more likely to develop skin cancer. Jones cited a study from 2015 that showed pilots and cabin staff have roughly twice as many cases of melanoma – a less common, but more serious type of skin cancer – when compared with the general population.
- There is a link between flying and sunburn. Here, dermatologists tell you what you need to know about sun damage risks when at cruise altitude. Most UVB rays are blocked by airplane windows, but not UVA.
- “Airplane windows effectively block out most of the UVB rays,” Jones was referring to rays which can cause skin cancer and sunburn. You won’t get sunburned after a flight, even if your window seat is facing the sun. It doesn’t necessarily mean that there won’t be other effects. The same is true for windows that are not on an airplane, according to Dr. Jennifer Holman of U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler, a dermatologist in Texas. “Most typical windows in a house or a car are going to filter out … like 97%, 98% of the UVB radiation, which is typically the wavelength that people think of that causes sunburns,” She said. We hope that you will join us this Friday to enjoy the Hot Topic, and much more.
- There is a link between flying and sunburn. Here, dermatologists tell you what you need to know about sun damage risks when at cruise altitude. Most UVB rays are blocked by airplane windows, but not UVA.
- “Even though you’re inside the aircraft, because of the high altitudes, you’re actually experiencing stronger UV radiation, especially if you’re in the window seat,” She says in the video. According to dermatologists, the TikToker’s claim is partially correct — but it’s also a little wrong. “The good news is that the true risk from one flight, or somebody who flies occasionally, is probably low,” Elizabeth Jones, assistant professor of dermatology and a physician at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia, said: Jones did note that the risk for pilots and flight crew is higher. “People who are flying occupationally, they’re going to be exposed much more to ultraviolet light given — especially, if they’re in the cockpit — the size of the windshield,” She said that given the amount of time pilots and cabin crew spend at higher altitudes, they are more likely to develop skin cancer. Jones cited a study from 2015 that showed pilots and cabin staff have roughly twice as many cases of melanoma – a less common, but more serious type of skin cancer – when compared with the general population.
Window seats on airplanes can expose you to sun damage. While airplane windows are designed in a way to block harmful UV rays (ultraviolet), they still do not offer complete protection. Even if your window is old or damaged, UV rays may still pass through. According to research, UV radiation intensity increases at higher altitudes by 10-12% every 3,280 feet. Because planes typically fly at altitudes greater than 30,000 feet, sitting near a window will expose you to more UV radiation. Sunburn, premature ageing, and increased skin cancer risk can be caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
It is important to take the necessary precautions in order to minimize the risk of sunburn while sitting by the window. Sunscreen with a high SPF should be applied to all exposed skin areas, including the face, arms, legs and neck. You can further protect yourself from UV rays by wearing protective clothing like long sleeves and a cap. Installing removable window films or sun-blocking window shade can provide additional UV protection. Being aware of the exposure time, and taking proactive steps can reduce sun damage caused by sitting near a window in an airplane.
