The views in this article are founded on scientifically validated data. Please follow the links provided to verify the sources and find further information.
What does the “Science” really say about masks?
Can we trust what we’re told about mask use and the science behind it by our government and legacy media outlets? You may have noticed that some mandates and recommendations regarding mask use are arbitrary, defy logic, or are outright harmful (for example, wearing masks in a restaurant except when seated, wearing masks while performing cardiovascular exercise, etc.). You may have also recognized that the “science” has been changing in front of our eyes over the past two years to justify said mandates (Fauci on masks, Bonnie on masks). This may have you wondering why this is the case and which information on masks is scientifically justified.
Are they Effective?
We have known for a long time that surgical masks and other similarly designed masks are not effective interventions for reducing the transmission of airborne viruses such as influenza (Bonnie Henry testified against the vaccinate or mask policy in this case). The transmission of COVID-19 is primarily governed by aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, which are much smaller than influenza at an average size of 100nm. These virus particles are orders of magnitude smaller than the pore size of cloth and surgical masks, allowing them to easily pass directly through, as well as around, the masks. Did the science change in the last two years or is it just being ignored?
The theory of masks being ineffective measures to curb the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed in real-world application, with numerous studies demonstrating no statistically significant difference in COVID-19 case rates between masked and unmasked groups. There is one particular study that stands out, commonly referred to as the “Bangladesh Mask Study”, that has been promoted by Nature and lauded as the definitive evidence proving that mask use reduces SARS-CoV-2 transmission to justify the mask mandates. However, this study has a number of flaws and the conclusions drawn were based on statistics that represented the data in a misleading way, with the actual population seroprevalence reduction at a mere 0.0026%, at best.
Are they Safe?
Even if masks are not as effective as we’re led to believe, at least they’re better than nothing, right? They will prevent large droplets laden with virus particles from being spread by a cough or a sneeze, so that counts for something even if the virus is primarily spread by aerosolized particles. However, if the beneficial effect of wearing masks is quite minimal, then the detrimental consequences of wearing them must be negligible in order to justify this intervention in a cost-benefit analysis, especially if it is to be universally mandated. As it turns out, this is not the case and there are numerous damaging side effects of prolonged mask wearing.
Harmful Effects of Masks
The primary detriment of mask wearing stems from obstructing the airflow in and out of the nose and mouth. Ideally, the air we breathe in should be clean, fresh air with approximately 21% oxygen. When we breathe out, we are exhaling air that contains metabolic by-products like carbon dioxide and has alower oxygen concentration. Masks do not allow for the efficient exchange of waste air for fresh air, with a portion of the exhaled air remaining in the space between the face and the mask to be re-inhaled. Inhalation of waste air results in the lungs being filled with air that has a lower oxygen content, which in turn decreases the oxygen saturation in the blood. While periodic use of masks won’t have serious effects on the blood, chronic use of masks for extended periods of time can be harmful. Blood with low oxygen and low pH provides an environment in the body that is conducive to numerous serious disease conditions, including cancer. In this state, one may experience symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, impaired mental and physical performance, fatigue, and headaches.
Additional serious side effects of masking include:
- Skin conditions (rashes, acne, etc.)
- Increased risk of self-contamination
- Cognitive development and social issues in children
- Respiratory problems from inhalation of chemicals in the masks
If the costs of wearing masks outweigh the benefits, why is our government mandating the wearing of them? It’s time to refuse these mandates, ditch the masks, and breathe fresh air again.