Face masks unlikely to cause over-exposure to CO2, even in patients with lung disease.

[2greys]

New research findings contradict statements linking wearing face masks to carbon dioxide poisoning by trapping CO2. During the COVID-19 pandemic the wearing of face masks has become a highly political issue with some individuals falsely claiming that wearing face masks may be putting people's health at risk. The study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society shows otherwise.

In "Effect of Face Masks on Gas Exchange in Healthy Persons and Patients with COPD," Michael Campos, MD and co-authors assessed problems with gas exchange, that is, changes in oxygen level or carbon dioxide levels in healthy individuals as well as veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD before and while using surgical masks. People with COPD, according to the ATS Patient Education Fact Sheet on the disease, "must work harder to breathe, which can lead to shortness of breath and/or feeling tired."

"We show that the effects are minimal at most even in people with very severe lung impairment," said Dr. Campos of the Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Miami.

As for the feeling of breathlessness that some healthy people may experience, Dr. Campos explained: "Dyspnea, the feeling of shortness of breath, felt with masks by some is not synonymous of alterations in gas exchange. It likely occurs from restriction of air flow with the mask in particular when higher ventilation is needed (on exertion)."

[2greys]

This research is NOT saying that it does not affect our breathing, but rather not increasing the risk of CO2 exposure.

[SquirrelsHolt]

Quite flippant in the wording regarding COPD veterans, who must work harder to breathe, which makes them tired and still breathless. The article doesn't mention those with respiratory illnesses who use oxygen . I would be curious to know their "findings" but probably on the side of controversy. Good read though so thanks for sharing. 🐿🌈

[2greys in reply to SquirrelsHolt]

I think maybe it is in response to the misinformation that is so prolific on other social media like Facebook.

[SquirrelsHolt in reply to 2greys]

Yep, ok, I didn't see it from that perspective, but it maybe would explain it but as a staunch anti Facebook woman, I can only imagine what total rubbish is put out there but then again it's no difference when using the web/internet as youve got to be very selective on the sites you use! That's one of the reasons I like reading your posts as they're from reputable, trustworthy sites. 🐿🌈

[Badbessie in reply to SquirrelsHolt]

I think you are right 2Greys, I have heard everything from acidosis to fainting in the healthy due to mask wearing. The amount of false information out there is ludicrous. Having worn a mask for long periods over many years after reading the nonsense out there I wonder how I survived lol.

[Jaybird19 in reply to SquirrelsHolt]

I second that. I am very definitely anti facebook but reserving descision on twitter . do not use either but local police use twitter for safety reports.

[SquirrelsHolt in reply to Jaybird19]

Thank you Jaybird19 because after reading your comment regarding Facebook , I looked into the Police using it in my area ..... and it does. As much as I dislike social media in the form of Instagram etc i may adopt your policy and use it just for the likes of local scams, crimes etc. (Not many people will change my mind once it's made up, so you've broken the mould). Thank you! 🐿🌈

[Jaybird19 in reply to SquirrelsHolt]

Actually it was Twitter that i found police using but i bet they use facebook here too too. Instagram gives me fantastic photographs . A scientist on working on Svalbard used to post about his work there. But the photos are incredible when you get the real thing , and not peoples holiday snaps.

[Jaybird19]

definite restriction to breathing when I tried it in house , o2 last reading at hosp Ok but that doesnt affect my breathing rate

I had a nurse posting this info as well . he was getting quite irate .

thanks 2 greys

[Sunfloweronline]

I’m wearing a mask and I have I P F ! I am taking the advice and implementing the measures recommended - being high risk Covid19!

Boris and his motley crew haven’t been taking heed of the recommendations that they are pushing themselves!!!!

I’m hoping that we can all be involved in making them accountable A S A P