Does Face mask harm our lungs by causing co2 buildup?

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Face mask

There is a huge amount of misinformation circulating regarding the use of masks to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. As with many aspects of the epidemic, the use of masks has become politicized and it is unfortunate when it comes to public health. All science, including the science of public health, is chaotic. Recommendations change as evidence becomes available. A new virus with limited data, such as the Coronavirus that causes COVID-19, increases uncertainty.

Initially, there was a huge shortage of masks for frontline workers, which is why authorities were reluctant to recommend the wearing of masks to the general public. It is understandable that people look at this ancient advice and not know what to believe. I think we should trust public health scientists and realize that their recommendations may change as better data becomes available. It took years to fully understand HIV transmission. People who ignored emerging recommendations for safe practices in the early days of HIV were as unsuccessful as those who took precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Face coverings do not harm lung function or cause a build-up of carbon dioxide

Masks are especially important for people with basic breathing problems.

Contrary to viral claims, wearing surgical masks or cloth face coverings does not limit the amount of oxygen a person breathes in, nor does it cause a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide, according to a study published Friday in Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

The study, despite its small size, should help alleviate concerns that masks may be physically harmful in some way, while experts say, in fact, that using masks is one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.

The researchers said the study of the effect of masks on lung function was inspired by a group of West Palm Beach, Florida residents, who voiced their anger at a meeting of commissioners in late June when local leaders finally voted for the mandate masks.

Some residents have argued against the order, stating that wearing masks could cause you to inhale too much carbon dioxide. At least one other resident said, without evidence, that the masks "are actually killing people."

Dr Michael Campos, a pulmonologist with the Miami Virginia Medical Center and University of Miami Hospital and Clinics, was watching the meeting on TV and decided to conduct a study to determine whether the masks had an effect on breathing.

Campos and colleagues tested the effects of wearing a typical surgical mask on the body's ability to absorb oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.

Fifteen study participants were veterans with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Their lung function was less than 50 percent. The volunteers were then compared with 15 other people who served as healthy controls.

All participants wore masks for 30 minutes and then walked for 6 minutes while still wearing their face coverings. Using standard blood tests, the researchers found no differences in the levels of oxygen or carbon dioxide circulating in any of the participants' systems.

In fact, experts say, people with underlying breathing problems like COPD may be better off wearing masks.

"If you have a respiratory disease, you are more likely to catch an infection, whether it is Covid-19, influenza, or any other respiratory problem," said Dr Farah Khardmand, a pulmonologist and professor of medicine at Baylor. Houston Medical School, who was not involved in the research.

The study included basic surgical masks that are now widely available. Not studied N95 masks recommended for health care workers.

Citing mounting evidence that people can spread the coronavirus even if they do not have symptoms, the study authors write that “the use of a blanket mask needs to be applied vigorously in societal settings, especially now that we are facing a pandemic with minimal, proven treatment interventions.

"We believe our data will help alleviate concerns about the health risks of mask use and improve public confidence for wider acceptance and use."