Reports are emerging of returning mask mandates and fears of the spread of a new strain of COVID-19.
With all this in mind, many people are wondering if masks really make a difference in protecting us from the virus.
A recent study on masks has revealed some hidden dangers that may be associated with wearing them, so it is important to consider both sides before deciding whether or not to wear one.
In response to the pandemic, many colleges such as Rutgers in New Jersey and Morris Brown College in Atlanta have put mask requirements in place for their campuses.
While there is still debate about how effective masks are at preventing infection, Dr. Jonathan Reiner from George Washington University’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences believes that if you are a “caregiver for somebody who is at increased risk of complication following infection, then I think you should consider putting a mask on in public places.”
However, while masks may protect us from contracting or spreading disease, they can also pose potentially serious health risks when worn for long periods of time.
A study published in April by Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety and through the National Institutes of Health found that some masks can actually be dangerous due to chemicals released by them which could cause seizures or even cancer.
The study noted that South Korean-made KF94 masks showed toxic chemical levels “at concentrations 22.9–147 times higher than those found in masks made from other materials such as cotton and other functional fabrics,” with volatile organic compounds released by these masks being “about 14 times more than that released by cotton masks.”
In warmer weather, these levels increase further and could potentially pose a risk to human health if used regularly over an extended period of time without proper ventilation or protection against particles entering through gaps around the edges or nosepiece area.
The Environmental Protection Agency says total volatile organic compound levels should be kept below 0.5 parts per million indoors however, one sample tested was 4.8 parts per million – more than nine times EPA’s limit.
Dr Stuart Fischer from New York believes the research isn’t conclusive yet but did say “there seems to be diminishing returns on the need for masks”.
He went on further to say “I think following general recommendations might be helpful, but it’s not clear yet if we need sweeping edicts of three years ago”.
Furthermore research conducted by Cochrane Institute based on 78 studies concluded wearing face coverings makes little to no difference when it comes to reducing infections or deaths caused by COVID-19 according media outlets such as Daily Mail UK.
