The surgical N95 mask, long hailed as the ultimate defense against Covid, has recently come under scrutiny due to a study shared by the National Institutes of Health. This study, conducted by researchers from Jeonbuk National University in South Korea, examined different types of masks and their potential release of toxic chemicals. Shockingly, it found that the chemicals released by these masks exceeded the recommended safety limit of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) by eight times.
Inhaling TVOCs has been linked to various health issues, including headaches, nausea, organ damage, and even cancer. Another study in April also discovered that certain disposable masks contained more than eight times the recommended limit of TVOCs set by the US. It’s important to note that disposable masks, represented by samples A1 through B3, had significantly higher levels of TVOCs compared to cloth masks, represented by samples C1 through E4.
The researchers of the study emphasized the need for attention to be given to the VOCs associated with the use of medical masks like the KF94. They suggested that the risks of exposure can be significantly reduced by allowing the mask to air out for at least 30 minutes before use. This indicates that the packaging of masks may play a role in the amount of chemicals they contain.
Published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety and featured on the NIH’s website, the study received recognition. However, it’s important to note that inclusion in an NLM database does not imply endorsement or agreement with the contents by the NLM or the National Institutes of Health.
The study concluded that cloth masks, unlike disposable masks, had significantly lower levels of TVOCs and did not pose a risk to human health. However, it did not measure the effects of wearing the masks in practice. Dr. Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine physician in New York, commented that strong conclusions cannot be drawn from this study alone. Nonetheless, he highlighted that there has been increasing evidence showcasing the limitations of mask-wearing and suggested that the need for masks may be diminishing.
The latest study examined 14 masks, both disposable and cloth, purchased online, by measuring the amount of TVOCs present. The disposable masks tested were KFAD and KF94 models made from thermoplastics polypropylene and polyurethane nylon. These types of masks are popular in South Korea, where the study was conducted.
The cloth masks, on the other hand, were made from cotton, ramie, and polyurethane. The TVOC concentration levels in cloth masks were determined to be harmless to the human body, with no relevant health-related concerns. However, disposable masks contained up to 14 times the amount of TVOCs compared to cotton masks.
TVOCs are a diverse group of chemicals that release odors, often found in cleaning products, fuel emissions, and cooking. They can be present in aerosol sprays, cleansers, disinfectants, air fresheners, and even home furnishings and office equipment. Exposure to TVOCs can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, as well as damage to the central nervous system and various organs. Some TVOCs are even considered human carcinogens, posing a risk of cancer.
The study recognized its limitations, including a small sample size and the omission of various mask types like KN95s. It built upon previous research that has questioned the effectiveness of mask-wearing. For example, a Cochrane Institute study suggested that masks made little to no difference in preventing Covid infections and deaths. The study argued that the harms caused by masks, such as the impact on children’s education, were not adequately measured in previous studies, potentially outweighing any minor benefits in reducing infection rates.
Another controversial study suggested that wearing face masks could increase the risk of stillbirths, testicular dysfunction, and cognitive decline in children. However, this study faced criticism for drawing conclusions without sufficient evidence.
As Covid variant BA.2.86 continues to spread across the US, many institutions have reinstated mask mandates. However, the newfound concerns regarding the safety of masks deemed the most protective could render these mandates ineffective. Dr. Fischer remarked that while following general recommendations might be helpful, the sweeping edicts of the past may not be necessary. He suggests that extreme fears about the lethality of Covid may have led to counterproductive decisions and that society needs policies that provide minimal protection without fracturing social cohesion.
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