[Motor vehicles and ultraviolet exposure in Mexico].

INTRODUCTION: Sun exposure can cause both acute and chronic lesions of the skin due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While driving or traveling inside a vehicle, a person is exposed to this radiation, which can induce or exacerbate certain dermatoses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the window glasses of commercial vehicles in Mexico can block UV transmission or if the addition of tinted films is necessary.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty models of vehicles manufactured between 1998 and 2011 were randomly selected. UVA and UVB were measured through the windshield and lateral window glasses, and their transmission was calculated compared to ambient UV radiation. Four commercial tinted films were also evaluated for UV transmission.

RESULTS: The average UVB transmission from the windshield was 0.01% and 0.9% for UVA. For the driver's and front seat's glasses, UVB transmission was 2% and 16% for UVA. Tinted films transmitted less than 4.5% of UVA, and almost 0% of UVB.

CONCLUSIONS: Driving with the vehicle's windows closed eliminates 98% of UVB and 84% of UVA. Therefore, the addition of tinted films provides a marginal benefit in most clinical conditions that manifest photosensibility.