Safety and security film for windows was invented in Great Britain in the early 1970s, when the country was beleaguered by terrorist attacks. Not until nearly 20 years later, however, when the United States experienced its own volley of manmade and natural disasters, did the plastic window coating garner nationwide attention for its protective and preventative properties in the containment of flying glass.
Made from several layers of polyester sheets fused together with adhesive, the material is applied to the inside of windows, forming a barrier that blocks shards of glass from injuring persons or damaging property in the event the window should break due to a criminal act, an accidental impact, or a natural disaster. In the aftermath of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, for example, glass was the most reported cause of injury in survivors of the blast, contributing to 38 percent of injuries. As a result, in 1998 the Oklahoma State Department of Health recommended the installation of safety and security film on the windows of public buildings as one effective solution in preventing glass shards from turning into dangerous projectiles.
Anti-shatter film is primarily used in commercial settings, although the product has also been gaining popularity as a residential application. The protective layer can function as a deterrent to intruders by delaying and complicating forced entry by burglars and thwarting the efforts of smash-and-grab robbers. Tinted versions of the material assist with heat regulation and limit the amount of sunlight entering a room or building.
The material is available in rolls of various widths and lengths depending on coverage needs. Notable product manufacturers include DuPont and 3M.
