Mask wearing all day and issues

[revcathfrog]

Has anyone experienced wearing a mask all day caused any issues. I went back to work yesterday for first time in over a year. I am front line Healthcare worker. Most of time spent in a shared office. I wore a mask for about 6 hours. I spent a lot time coughing last night, barking cough and dizzy last night. Just wondered if others have had any problems.

I am able to work at home 3 days a week. Wearing a face shield is not an option.

[CDPO16]

I don't wear a mask ( retired and not leaving home) but I do wonder if sonething in the mask is causing your lungs to be irritated. I read recently that many masks have been found to contain formaldehyde which can cause lung and eye irritation if worn for long periods of time. I realise that you had a problem after only 6 hours but wondered if it might be worth looking at alternative masks. Hope you find a workable solution.

[Titian8 in reply to CDPO16]

Funnily enough I've just been reading about the adverse effects of formaldehyde, which is in everything from detergents, shampoo, baby products, hair items, and many more products we all use on a daily basis.

So was most interested in your comments that many masks have been found to contain it. When wearing the blue disposable masks for grocery shopping my breathing gets worse and I've even had to leave a store on occasion because felt really ill and desperate to breathe fresh air.

This has made me think that in future I will only use the cotton kind, which are washable (and clean with formaldehyde free soap)I'd never thought about that before so thank you for bringing this this to our attention.

[CDPO16 in reply to Titian8]

The report I read said that the blue surgical masks do contain formaldehyde. Must admit I was quite horrified when I thought of all the NHS staff and care staff wearing these for prolonged periods day after day. As for the cotton, washable masks you mention, I believe that they need to be 3 layers thick to offer good protection.

[Titian8 in reply to CDPO16]

I totally agree re NHS and Care staff wearing these masks throughout their long shifts. It must be unbelievably uncomfortable, even without breathing issues and who knows what problems they may be storing up for the future.

[revcathfrog]

Thanks, it interesting with replies. You I have worn masks but only short periods. I will wear cotton ones which are 3 layers on Thursday but also contact occupational health. See what advice they give me.

[Bkin]

I am retired but no way I would be able to tolerate wearing a mask all day with my lungs.

What do your colleagues recommend?

[revcathfrog]

I am waiting to hear from occupational health.

[watergazer]

I believe the Black Face Mask company masks are supposed to be eco friendly and washable daily for 30 wears. They are probably more expensive but maybe worth a try. They have 3 layers and passed by the Vietnamese government . They do white masks as well. x

[Aingeful]

I can only manage about 20 minutes at the most with a face mask, usually enough to get round a shop. I bought an exemption badge from Amazon, they have different styles. No one has ever questioned me about it,I dont think they are allowed to.

amazon.co.uk/Exemption-Cove...

[revcathfrog in reply to Aingeful]

I work in the NHS so have to wear a mask. I am wearing 3 layer cloth mask today see if difference. I will get some more advice from HR.

[philipjr in reply to revcathfrog]

Why not ask your Health & Safety Adviser? They ought to be giving advice upon PPE, and under the the PPE Regulations, your employer is legally duty-bound to ensure that the PPE equipment, that is issued to you, is fit for purpose and is comfortable for the user to wear.They ought to provide you with a more comfortable alternative, free of charge.

I would be interested in the results, if you do ask your HSE Adviser.