EPA UV Radiation Facts: How Government Buyers Can Use Solar Control Film Rolls to Cut Indoor Skin Cancer Risk
Posted by The Window Place USA on Mar 17th 2026
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Sun Exposure. Retrieved from [https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure](https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure). Public domain.
The Hidden Threat of Indoor UV Exposure
When government agencies consider building safety, the focus is often on physical security or fire codes. However, an invisible threat passes through standard commercial windows every day: ultraviolet (UV) radiation. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "Too much ultraviolet radiation (UV) from sunlight is dangerous" [1]. While most people associate UV danger with outdoor activities, government employees, school staff, and public facility workers spend the vast majority of their daylight hours indoors, frequently stationed directly next to large, untreated windows.
The EPA notes that there are different types of UV rays, with UVA being particularly concerning for indoor environments. The agency states that "the atmosphere does little to shield these rays—most UVA radiation reaches Earth’s surface" [1]. Furthermore, the EPA warns that "UVA rays cause skin aging and eye damage, and can lower your body’s ability to fight off illness. UVA rays also contribute to the risk of skin cancer" [1]. Because standard window glass does not adequately block UVA rays, occupants in untreated government buildings remain vulnerable.
Mitigating Risk with Solar Control Film Rolls
To address this occupational health concern, government procurement teams are increasingly turning to solar control window film. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) confirms that applied window films effectively "protect against glare and ultraviolet exposure" [2]. For facility managers and procurement officers, purchasing supply-only solar control film rolls offers a highly efficient method to protect building occupants without the cost and complexity of contracted installation services.
By stocking bulk window film rolls in maintenance inventories, in-house facility crews can systematically apply the film to high-exposure areas. Standard commercial solar control films are typically manufactured in 2 to 7 mil thicknesses and are supplied on rolls ranging from 36 to 72 inches wide, making them ideal for large-scale government building applications [3].
The Procurement Advantage: Cost and Health Benefits
Procuring supply-only window film rolls provides a dual benefit for government agencies: it addresses a critical health directive outlined by the EPA while adhering to the energy efficiency standards promoted by the DOE.
| Benefit Category | Impact of Window Film Installation |
|---|---|
| Health & Safety (EPA Alignment) | Blocks up to 99.9% of harmful UV rays [3]. Reduces cumulative UVA exposure, which the EPA identifies as a contributing factor to skin cancer risk [1]. |
| Operational Efficiency | Supply-only bulk rolls allow in-house maintenance teams to deploy protection rapidly, bypassing lengthy contractor bidding processes. |
| Energy Savings (DOE Alignment) | In addition to UV blocking, solar control films reduce solar heat gain, lowering HVAC loads and decreasing building energy consumption [2]. |
The EPA emphasizes that "skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States" [1]. By proactively applying UV-blocking window film, government agencies take a measurable step toward protecting the long-term health of their workforce.
The Window Place USA: Bulk Rolls for Government Facilities
The Window Place USA provides professional-grade solar control window film rolls directly to government agencies, military bases, and state facilities. Our films block up to 99.9% of UV radiation, ensuring your buildings meet the highest standards of occupant protection and energy efficiency.
SAM.gov registered. P-Card accepted. Agency quotes available. Standard ground/freight shipping to all 50 states. Contact: inquiries@thewindowplaceusa.com | (866) 274-2769.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does standard window glass block UV radiation?
Standard commercial window glass blocks most UVB rays but allows a significant percentage of UVA rays to pass through. The EPA notes that UVA rays contribute to the risk of skin cancer and skin aging [1]. Window film is required to block the remaining UVA spectrum.
How effective is window film at blocking UV rays?
Highly effective. According to the Efficient Window Coverings Collaborative (a DOE-cited resource), professional applied window films block UV very effectively, typically rejecting between 95% and 99.9% of all ultraviolet radiation [3].
Why should government agencies buy supply-only rolls?
Purchasing supply-only rolls allows government facilities to utilize their existing maintenance staff for installation. This approach maximizes budget efficiency, avoids contractor markups, and allows for immediate, phased deployment across the agency's real estate portfolio.
References
[1] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Sun Exposure." RadTown. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure
[2] U.S. Department of Energy. "Energy Efficient Window Coverings." Energy Saver. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-coverings
[3] Efficient Window Coverings Collaborative. "Applied Film." https://www.efficientwindowcoverings.org/understanding-window-coverings/applied-film