Many people who wear mouth masks experience a negative effect on health
In a four-part series, immunologist Dr Carla Peeters, who worked at RIVM (dutch government organisation that advice government about corona measures) for several years, provides all the ins and outs about the face mask required by the government in certain situations. This week part II: the use of mouth masks is not nearly as harmless as thought and can even have negative effects on health.
This week, Rover (traveler's association) and Elke (in) (the umbrella organization for people with a physical disability, intellectual disability or chronic illness) asked the responsible ministries to offer people who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons to an alternative to choose. Rover receives signals that many travelers experience wearing a mouth mask as oppressive and bad. Professionals in contact professions and customers also experience discomfort. Not so strange, it turns out when we investigate this further.
Wearing a mouth mask; a new microclimate
Being able to breathe clean air freely is important for maintaining good health. That is why it is important to analyze the effects of the microclimate that is created inside and on the mask. By wearing mouth masks, the temperature increases and the humidity changes. The psychological effect of wearing a mouth mask alone can cause a change in the way of breathing. Depending on the type of mask / mouth mask, the wearer experiences more resistance in breathing and problems may arise to inhale sufficient O2. When a shortage of O2 is experienced, the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (flight-fight reaction) increases. The heartbeat gets faster; a risk of feeling unwell or tired and even passing out. Headaches, skin reactions and itching from wearing masks have also been described. Experienced discomfort leads to more stress, resulting in a vicious circle. When a mask is worn for a long period of time, the oxygen level in the blood may decrease and the CO2 level may increase. This can increase inflammation and weaken immunity to external factors. More energy is needed to keep the existing inflammations under control. Also, the concentration of bacteria and viruses in the mask and nasal and pharynx can increase by exhaling and breathing in the same air again.
Toxic substances from dyes or bleaches and / or dust particles from the substances used for the mouth caps can increase in the microclimate and thus end up in the lungs.
Uncontrolled production of mouth masks increases negative influences
The production of hip masks has become a rapidly growing market for the fashion industry. The advertising industry has received a new file. To date, there are no strict quality requirements for the mouth masks, which means that everything is possible. Even for medical masks that do have quality requirements, the high demand has created a true Wild West market. Whether it be design mouth masks or homemade mouth masks made from unapproved fabrics, it demands alertness for possible adverse health consequences. Toxic substances from dyes or bleaches and / or dust particles from the substances used for the mouth caps can increase in the microclimate and thus end up in the lungs. Any damage to lung epithelial cells, the first barrier to prevent infection, can make the body more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.
Possible connection air pollution and course COVID-19
Scientific studies have shown the possible adverse effects of air pollution on the immune system. At the same time, impurities may increase the expression of the number of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) receptors. This means that more receptors are available for the virus to bind to, allowing for a more severe course of COVID-19. A recent Harvard University study is the first to show a statistically significant association between the severity of COVID-19 course and the degree of air pollution.
The spread of the virus may increase due to the unsafe use of mouth masks.
Use face masks to increase the spread of the virus
Research published in the British Medical Journal in 2015, in which 3M participated, showed a higher concentration of the virus in people who used mouth masks compared to people who did not wear a mask / medical mask. Most people do not have enough knowledge to use the mask properly, such as renewing frequently, washing hands frequently, removing and disposing of safely. The spread of the virus may increase due to the unsafe use of mouth masks. Scientific research into the effect of the use of surgical masks showed a higher concentration of viruses and bacteria on the outside of the mask.
https://www.hpdetijd.nl/2020-06-19/v...de-gezondheid/