Does helmet glass protect from sun?
Does Helmet Glass Protect from Sun? Unveiling the Truth
Introduction
Helmets are an essential safety gear for various activities, from motorcycle riding to construction work. They are primarily designed to protect your head from potential impacts and injuries. However, many people wonder if the glass visors or shields on helmets provide any protection from the sun’s harmful rays. In this article, we will delve into this question and explore whether helmet glass can effectively shield you from the sun. Does helmet glass protect from sun?
Understanding Helmet Glass
Before we discuss sun protection, let’s first understand the nature of helmet glass. Helmet visors or shields are typically made from materials like polycarbonate or acrylic. These materials are chosen for their durability, clarity, and ability to withstand impact.
Role of Helmet Glass
Helmet glass primarily serves two critical purposes:
Impact Protection: The foremost function of helmet glass is to protect your eyes and face from debris, dust, insects, and, most importantly, potential impacts during activities like riding motorcycles, cycling, or working in construction. They act as a barrier between your eyes and the outside environment, ensuring your safety in case of accidents.
Weather Protection: Helmet glass also offers protection from various weather conditions. It shields you from wind, rain, and even snow, making your ride or work more comfortable and safe.
Sun Protection and Helmet Glass
Now that we understand the primary roles of helmet glass, let’s address the question of sun protection.
UV Radiation
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can be harmful to your skin and eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to skin damage, sunburn, and even increase the risk of developing conditions like cataracts. So, can helmet glass protect you from these harmful UV rays?
UV Protection in Helmet Glass
Most modern helmet visors or shields come equipped with UV protection features. These visors are designed to block a significant portion of the sun’s harmful UV rays, similar to how sunglasses provide UV protection for your eyes. However, the level of UV protection can vary depending on the type and quality of the helmet glass.
Limitations of Helmet Glass
While helmet glass does offer some level of UV protection, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations. Helmet visors are relatively small compared to sunglasses or dedicated sun visors, so they may not provide as much coverage. Moreover, the effectiveness of UV protection can degrade over time due to wear and tear or exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
Choosing the Right Helmet Glass
If sun protection is a significant concern for you, here are some tips for choosing the right helmet glass:
1. UV-Resistant Coating
Look for helmets with UV-resistant coatings on their visors. These coatings enhance the helmet’s ability to block UV rays effectively.
2. Tinted Visors
Some helmets come with tinted visors, which not only provide UV protection but also reduce glare and improve visibility in bright sunlight.
3. Replace Old Visors
If your helmet visor is scratched, damaged, or has been exposed to the elements for an extended period, consider replacing it. A new, undamaged visor will provide better UV protection.
Additional Sun Protection
While helmet glass can offer UV protection, it’s always a good idea to take additional precautions when you’re exposed to the sun for extended periods. Here are some additional steps you can take: For helmet 2 shade sun graded helmets see here.
1. Wear Sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to your exposed skin, especially your face and neck, to protect against UV radiation.
2. Wear Sunglasses
Consider wearing sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. This is especially important when your helmet visor doesn’t provide full coverage.
3. Use Sun-Blocking Clothing
Wearing clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) can further reduce your exposure to UV radiation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, helmet glass does provide some level of sun protection by blocking a portion of the sun’s UV rays. However, its primary purpose remains protecting your eyes and face from impacts and environmental factors. To ensure adequate sun protection, especially during prolonged sun exposure, it’s advisable to complement your helmet with sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-blocking clothing. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your outdoor activities while safeguarding your health from the sun’s harmful effects.