Researched List Of Negative Health Effects from Wearing Masks

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There are many documented negative effects of donning a face mask.  Studies show that low oxygen levels in the tissues (hypoxia) created by face coverings can suppress some aspects of the immune response.  Masks burden breathing by lowering oxygen intake while causing the exhaled carbon dioxide to be inhaled.

These are just some of the unwanted outcomes of wearing face coverings. Listed below is a summary of undesired effects of wearing a mask.

Difficulty in breathing

Face masks make breathing more difficult especially for people with respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma and Bronchitis, because masks decrease air flow. In addition, a portion of carbon dioxide previously exhaled is inhaled at each respiratory cycle. In effect, the wearer inhales his/her own exhaled air.  This action causes rapid breathing, emotional distress and fatigue. These medical effects increase breathing frequency and deepness which increases the amount of inhaled and exhaled air, according to medical experts. This may also worsen the clinical condition of infected people if the deeper breathing pushes the viral load down into their lungs. The effects are amplified if face masks are heavily contaminated.

Increased Heart Rate

Multiple studies, including one performed at the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Institutes of Health, have indicated wearing surgical and N95 facemasks increase heart rate due to the stress placed on this critical organ. The report reads, “Therefore, it can be concluded that N95 and surgical facemasks can induce significantly different temperatures and humidity in the microclimates of facemasks, which have profound influences on heart rate and thermal stress and subjective perception of discomfort.”

General Discomfort

When one wears a mask, the most likely escape route for exhaled air is upward towards the eyes. This exhausted air goes into the eyes, generating an uncomfortable feeling and an impulse to touch the eyes. If hands are contaminated, one can easily spread the contamination to the eyes. Mask wearers need to be conscious all the time and try to resist the temptation to the face. It also demands that one wash his hands after contact with substances like door handles, elevator buttons, packages or anything else where germs and viruses thrive. Of note, for those who use eye glasses, the exhausted air fogs up glasses, forcing the wearer to clean their glasses continually. The burden can be unbearable.

There is also the issue of the fit around the ears for that model of mask. If the mask is not fitted well to the head, the loops can pull on the ears to an uncomfortable level.  Because of the discomfort many wearers will simply pull the mask down, defeating the purpose of the mask.

Decreased immune system

There are studies indicating that low oxygen levels in the tissues (hypoxia) can suppress some aspects of the immune response. Scientific investigations have proven that a prolonged denial of enough oxygen in your body can cripple the ability of your immune system to deal with infections. It is recommended that during this period where wearing a mask is mandatory, make efforts to social distance wherever possible and remove the mask. Older and younger people wearing a mask are said to be more vulnerable, so many laws allow for youth to bypass wearing a mask altogether.  Studies also show that the wearing of masks reduces herd immunity.

Masks are often worn by criminals trying to hide their identities while committing crimes. They produce subconscious anxiety and fear. Fear and anxiety activate the fight-or-flight nervous system which down-regulates the immune system, as shown in a study by the American Psychological Association.

Cost Burden

Masks have now become an added cost that people have not budgeted for, especially if one opts for an KN95 mask, which is the one most recommended. It is recommended that a mask be replaced at least once used per day, which could add up to $150 per month. This is not an easy cost to absorb for many. Chances are, people will reuse single-use masks, except for those who opt for washable ones. Some people will end up choosing between a meal and a mask.

Acne, Skin Rashes and Allergies

Masks may cause allergies, itchiness, and redness on the skin. Over time, custom cloth masks eventually accumulate sweat, makeup and beauty products, automotive exhaust, pollen, and any particles floating in the air. Moisture and germs collecting in the mask cause “facial skin lesions, irritant dermatitis … or worsening acne” (according to Public Health Ontario) which stresses the immune system, can lead to permanent scarring and has been linked to depression and suicidal thoughts (according to the Journal of Dermatologic Clinics). Children also develop impetigo, a bacterial infection that produces red sores and can lead to kidney damage (according to the Mayo Clinic).

Inhalation of Microplastics and Other Toxins

Wearing surgical, cotton, fashion, and activated carbon masks creates the risk of inhaling fiber-like microplastic materials into the lungs.  Plastics degrade slowly, so once they are in the lungs, they tend to stay there and build up.  Even worse, reusing masks increases the risk due to loosened fibers.  Many (if not most) masks and face coverings (including cloth) are made with toxic and carcinogenic chemicals including fire retardant, fiberglass, lead, NFE, phthalates, polyfluorinated chemicals and formaldehyde that will outgas and be inhaled by the wearer. The risk is higher for children, who are known to chew through masks. (See “5 main hazardous chemicals in clothing from China named” by Fashion United)

Cavities, Receding Gum Lines and Bad Breath

New York dentists are reporting that half their patients are suffering decaying teeth, receding gum lines and seriously sour breath from wearing masks. “We’re seeing inflammation in people’s gums that have been healthy forever, and cavities in people who have never had them before,” Dr. Rob Ramondi told FOX News.

Facial Deformities

Masking children triggers mouth breathing (in an attempt to get more air) which as been shown to cause “long, narrow faces, narrow mouths, high palatal vaults, dental malocclusion, gummy smiles, and many other unattractive facial features,” according to the Journal of General Dentistry.

Bacterial Pneumonia

At an Oklahoma Press Conference, Dr. James Meehan, MD testified: “Reports coming from my colleagues all over the world are suggesting that the bacterial pneumonias are on the rise” as a result of moisture collecting in face masks.

Germophobia

Masks create an irrational fear of germs and a false sense of protection from disease, leading to antisocial (or even hostile) behavior towards those not wearing a mask. (See the paper in the Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders titled “COVID-19, obsessive-compulsive disorder and invisible life forms that threaten the self”).

Psychologically Harmful

“I believe the real threat right now is what we’re doing to sabotage the mental, emotional and physical health of… our children, whose development is dependent on social interactions, physical contact and facial expressions,” writes Dr. Joseph Mercola of Mercola.com. “Between mask wearing and social distancing, I fear the impact on children in particular may be long-term, if not permanent.”

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