Letter to Florida State Attorneys

Dear Sir:

The window film industry is extremely concerned about erroneous or misleading information about the benefits of its products as related to occupant protection during hurricane or other high wind events.  Safety/security window films do offer an extremely high level of protection from glass fragments once glass is broken, no matter the cause of the breakage.  However, statements such as “hurricane proof” or “meets Dade County standards” are, at best, misleading to the public or, at worst, fraudulent, unless the seller of the product has actual test data from the manufacturer of the product showing that it has, in fact, achieved the stated level of performance on the same type of glass in the same environment in which it is being offered for sale.  In some cases, these types of mis-statements are being made by ill-informed vendors; our industry association and its manufacturer members have educational materials and training programs available for our members and customers, respectively, as well as for the public.  Much of this information is publicly available on the Internet at either our website (www.iwfa.com) or at those of the manufacturers (which can be found on our website).  There still remains, however, that element of any industry which would prey on the ignorance or fear of the public just to “make a fast buck.”

We are equally concerned that the public, acting on impulse or out of fear, may be more accepting of any and all claims than is prudent.  Many of them may not know where to seek additional or alternate information.  And in the event they might communicate with your office, we wished to make as much information as possible available to you.

The attached statement “Facts About the Use of Safety/Security Window Films” is attached for your use and any distribution you feel necessary to inform others about the proper use of window film products for safety and security reasons.  It also contains links to several non-profit or government organizations with additional information about the use of many types of safety/security glazing, including films, safety glass, laminated glass, et cetera.

If you need additional information or assistance in your pursuit of protecting the public interests, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Darrell L. Smith

Executive Director