A February, 2007 study from the St. Louis University School of Medicine, presented to the American Academy of Dermatology, reports that people who experience long-term (cumulative) exposure to the sun through the side windows of cars are more likely to develop skin cancer on that side of their body.
Apparently, most glass used for windows blocks UVB rays that cause sunburn but not deeper penetrating UVA rays. Most affected were the obvious areas of head, neck, arms, and hands. As might be expected, findings showed that opening the car window increases the risk.
The head researcher suggested people tint their side windows or use UV filters on the windows to help protect them. Although the article did not mention covering exposed parts of the body, this would go a long way to reducing the risk.
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