Battle To Prevent Skin Cancer Goes Indoors

As Americans go outside to enjoy warmer weather, they're slathering on the sunscreen, well aware of the danger of exposing unprotected skin to cancer-causing UV rays. Unfortunately, they're also spending hours each day inside their sunny cars and homes -- completely unprotected and at risk from the same rays. This danger is highlighted in a new study from the American Academy of Dermatology that shows a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers on sun-exposed areas (head, neck, arms and hands) of drivers (1). Just as sunblock protects skin outside, certain window films provide indoor UV protection. LLumar(R) automotive and VISTA(R) home and business window films utilize patented UVShield(TM) technology to block 99.9 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Window films with this level of UV protection are manufactured by CPFilms Inc., a division of Solutia Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SOLUQ), and are professionally installed in both home and car. "Parents should be aware that their children's skin is not fully protected when they are behind glass," said Perry Robins, M.D., president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. "UV-protective window films are an effective way to reduce overexposure to UVA radiation." Deep-penetrating Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays pass through ordinary untreated glass in vehicles, in homes, and at work or school. These rays are present all day, every day of the year. Because many people incorrectly assume they are protected from the sun's harmful rays when behind glass, CPFilms Inc. is launching a national consumer education campaign to raise awareness about the importance of indoor UV protection. May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The company will distribute literature on the topic of indoor UV protection through its network of LLumar and Vista window film installers. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the skin cancer epidemic is becoming more of an issue in younger people. Overexposure to the sun during early childhood is a leading factor contributing to the increase in skin cancers including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma. "As research continues to evolve, the need for UV-blocking window film becomes more evident," said Kent Davies, president of CPFilms and senior vice president of Solutia Inc. "VISTA and LLumar window films with UVShield offer unprecedented levels of UV protection. We are committed to developing window film products that offer the utmost in protection and raising awareness about the importance of indoor UV protection." VISTA and LLumar window films with UVShield have received The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which ensures that a sun protection product is safe and effective, and is proven to aid in the reduction of sun- induced damage to the skin. SKIN CANCER STATISTICS -- Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in the United States with more than one million new cases diagnosed each year. It also is one of the fastest growing types of cancer. -- One blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. -- It takes less than 10 minutes for unprotected skin to become damaged. -- One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer. -- The majority of skin cancers are almost always preventable with good sun protection habits. About The Skin Cancer Foundation The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. VISTA(R), LLumar(R), UVShield(TM) are registered trademarks of CPFilms Inc. Corporate Profile CPFilms is a business unit of Solutia Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SOLUQ), a high-performance specialty materials company based in St. Louis, Mo. As the world leader in aftermarket window film, CPFilms manufactures and processes more than 100 types of professional automotive, building, safety/security, and decorative film. CPFilms products are designed to meet international standards, come with a factory-backed warranty, and are professionally installed. Through our global network of factory trained and authorized dealers, each vehicle or facility, regardless of location, receives the same high-quality film and same expert installation services. Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "intends," "plans," "estimates" or "anticipates," or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about the industries in which Solutia operates. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or achievements to be materially different from the future results or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Solutia's most recent Annual Report on Form 10- K, under "Cautionary Statement About Forward Looking Statements," Solutia's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and in filings with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in connection with the Chapter 11 case of Solutia Inc. and 14 of its U.S. subsidiaries. These reports can be accessed through the "Investors" section of Solutia's website at

(Author: http://www.solutia.com)

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