Washington, D.C. — April 3, 2012 — The International Window Film Association (IWFA), a nonprofit group, announced today that millions of commercial truck drivers on big rigs can now use window film on the cab’s side windows to keep them safe from the sun’s UVA rays, which have been linked to skin cancer.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA), clarification to safety regulations relating to a truck’s window visibility now allows the use of compliant window films on big rigs, according to the IWFA. Historically, the enforcement community and the trucking industry have taken the position that no film is allowed on any commercial vehicle.

“The clarification represents information that impacts millions of truck drivers who drive many hours at a stretch in ‘big rigs’ weighing more than 26,000 pounds,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “The FMCSA has agreed with the International Window Film Association that the use of ‘clear’ window films with a minimum 70 percent visibility rating installed on the front side windows is permitted,” he added. “Sadly long-haul drivers, have faced skin cancer as ‘one of the hazards of the job’ and we hope to help change that with this clarification,” said Smith.

The change in what is permitted follows numerous reports of higher than average rates of skin cancer on the left side of the face and arm, according to a 2011 article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. That article pointed to driver-side UVA exposure as a likely contributor to the disease.

“The health and safety of America’s truck drivers is of the utmost importance to American Trucking Associations,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “Whether it is doing more to battle obesity and sleep apnea, or helping our drivers avoid skin cancer, ATA has consistently advocated for sensible regulations to ensure our drivers get and stay healthy. We appreciate the efforts of the IWFA to help our industry take another step in that direction,” he added.

Professionally installed window film typically reduces exposure to UV radiation by up to 99 percent, reduces glare, interior fading and hot spots. In personal vehicles many jurisdictions have legislation that specifies, and may limit, what can be applied to the windows. For further information go to http://www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/Automotive.aspx

About the International Window Film Association
The International Window Film Association (IWFA) (http://www.iwfa.com) is a unified industry body of window film dealers, distributors, and manufacturers that facilitates the growth of the industry by providing unbiased research, influencing policy and promoting awareness of window film. The organization builds alliances with trade associations, utilities and government agencies to advance dealers’ and distributors’ businesses and provide value to their customers.

Steve Capoccia
Warner Communications
steve@warnerpr.com
617 372 1539

A layer of protective film, like the kind once found mainly in cars, is mounted onto the glass window panes. High-performance window film typically is cut to size and professionally installed by a dealer-representative affiliated with a manufacturer such as 3M Corp. or Solar Gard.

The study compared the installation of window film to other energy savings measures (updating HVAC systems, air sealing and caulking, adding R-38 ceiling insulation) and concluded that the best opportunities for saving energy with window film are in existing high-rise office buildings. The study also determined that film is a more cost-effective retrofit opportunity for homes than other measures, especially in homes with single pane glass. In addition, the report states that window films “demonstrate an effective means of reducing GHG emissions when used in retrofitting existing buildings.”

“Without a doubt, window film offers an enormous potential for energy savings in the California market in all retrofit remodeling applications,” says Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “When widely installed, the resulting reduction of peak demand on utilities and greenhouse gases will further the state’s reputation as an environmental leader.”

“With over 70 percent of the buildings and homes in the California market having been constructed before 1980, window film has to be high on the list for every building retrofit project across the state,” says Mike Hodgson, president of ConSol.

ConSol conducted the study using many of the same informational processes that the California Energy Commission utilizes in determining energy savings.

For more information, please visit: Window Film Magazine

Washington, DC — March 5, 2012 – The International Window Film Association (IWFA),a nonprofit group, announced today that a comprehensive analysis of window film found it to be the most cost-effective energy saving choice for Californians when used in retrofit applications on homes and buildings.

“Without a doubt, window film offers an enormous potential for energy savings in the California market in all retrofit remodeling applications,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “When widely installed the resulting reduction of peak demand on utilities and greenhouse gases will further the state’s reputation as an environmental leader,” he added. California-based ConSol made the independent analysis. Their study compared installing window film on existing structures in the state to other traditional energy saving techniques such as updating HVAC systems, air sealing and caulking, and adding R-38 ceiling insulation, and found that window film came out ahead.

The group used many of the same informational processes that the California Energy Commission utilizes in determining energy savings. The report can be found at http://www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/CAEnergySavingsStudy.aspx “With over 70 percent of the buildings and homes in the California market having been constructed before 1980, window film has to be high on the list for every building retrofit project across the state,” said Mike Hodgson, president of ConSol.

In existing commercial structures, window film’s energy savings alone can offer a payback of less than two years, or up to a 70 percent return on investment depending on the construction, location and window film used, according to the study. For example, window film offers the opportunity to lower air conditioning costs and save on lighting bills by reducing solar heat gain, while letting in natural light without the negative impact of harsh glare and UV exposure. About the International Window Film Association The International Window Film Association (IWFA) (http://www.iwfa.com) is a unified industry body of window film dealers, distributors, and manufactures that facilitates the growth of the industry by providing unbiased research, influencing policy and promoting awareness of window film. The organization builds alliances with trade associations, utilities and government agencies to advance dealers and distributors businesses and provide value to their customers.

Steve Capoccia
Warner Communications
steve@warnerpr.com
617 372 1539

Solar shades provide excellent protection from the sun while preserving your view. Often referred to as “sunglasses” for your windows, their ability to cut the glare makes them ideal for media rooms, studies, or any sun-facing room where sun control is desired. Solar shades protect from the sun in 4 ways: they protect furniture from damaging Ultra Violet (UV) rays, reduce glare, diffuse light, and help control heat gain.

Window Films help improve tenant comfort, reduce hot spots and increase window safety in buildings. Our films help provide energy & safety solutions.