Right now, wearing a mask has become necessary during the Coronavirus pandemic. Infectious disease experts agree that when combined with social distancing, eye protection, frequent hand washing, and using facial coverings can slow down the spread of the virus.
Now, from the made at home cloth masks to more rigid N95 masks, people are out and about making facial coverings an everyday activity requirement.
But some people say wearing a mask reduces oxygen supply.
If this is true, some think this could prove fatal due to one’s own carbon dioxide exhaled while breathing. They think that “Lower oxygen can leave them to feel lightheaded and smothered”.
This is a real concern for some people. BUT IS IT TRUE?
It comes down to the kind of mask you are wearing, and how long you are wearing it.
When it comes to breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide, infectious disease specialist said there’s no evidence to support the idea that cloth and surgical mask—the blue rectangle masks typically worn by nurses and doctors—lead to breathing problems. They don’t fit tight enough to impede airflow or trap carbon dioxide.
Experts also say carbon dioxide molecules are simply too small to be controlled by the majority of mask materials and simply pass right through. Take surgeons for example, during long procedures, they wear surgical mask for hours with no bad effects on their carbon dioxide levels.
But with the N95 mask, it could be a different story. “It is known that the N95 mask, if worn for hours can reduce blood oxygenation as much as 20%,’ Dr. Russell Blaylock wrote on Technocracy News. This he said can lead to loss of consciousness, as happened to the hapless fellow driving around alone in his car wearing an N95 mask, causing him to pass out and to crash his car. There are also cases of elderly individuals have had problems for this reason they are not recommended. N95 masks should be worn by medical professionals and individuals working in hazardous environments. The average individual does not require a N95 mask.
Also staying at home can weaken your immune system.
Research has found that loneliness and social isolation can have a direct adverse effect on health such as impaired immunity, depression, poor sleep quality and poor cardiovascular health. According to a study led by UCLA professor Steve Cole, loneliness and social isolation can increase inflammation (the immune system’s response to fight off a threat and decrease immune capacity). There is no evidence that wearing a mask or facial covering affects the immune system in a negative manner.
So how long is too long to wear your mask?
Most doctors say use common sense. If you’re doing a highly strenuous activity practice social distancing without your mask on as to maximize your oxygen intake. The same thing goes for doing activities in extreme heat. This is especially important now during the summer months. Some people may want to be extreme, but if you’re by yourself at home, or alone in your car there is no need to wear a mask. If you fear spreading the germs to other people who may get into your car simply wipe down your car’s interior with a CDC approved disinfectant.
By all means wear your mask, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face and eyes especially when you are out in public areas.
Recent studies report that this virus is airborne. It remains in the air much longer than once thought and the airsole travels farther than 6 feet. You can’t see it, or feel it if you encounter it; but having your mask on is your number 1 line of defense. Please wear your mask.
Stay Safe and God Bless!
Alert!!!!!!!
All hand sanitizers are not safe to use!!!
FDA Warns of 9 Hand Sanitizers that may contain Fatal Ingredients
Hand sanitizers have become essential and a “go to” tool to fighting off infection and disease, especially now with the coronavirus Corvid-19. But it’s important to know what kind of hand sanitizer you are using. It could mean the difference between life and death.
The FDA is advising consumers not to use any hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, due to the potential presence of menthol (wood alcohol), a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. FDA has identified the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem:
All-Clean Hand Sanitizer
CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol
Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer, The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer
CleanCare NoGerm Advance Hand Sanitizer80% Alcohol
Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer
These all contain high levels of methanol and no ethyl alcohol. Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers and should not be used due to its toxic side effects.
During these times, hand sanitizer is needed just about everywhere. But now it’s important to know what kind of hand sanitizer you are using because the FDA says some could be fatal if absorbed by the skin.
Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate medical attention which is critical for potential reversal of the toxic effects of methanol poisoning. Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidently ingest these products are most at risk for methanol poisoning.
On June 17, 2020 the FDA contacted Eskbiochem to recommend the company remove its hand sanitizer products from the market due to risk associated with methanol poising. To date the company has not taken any action. Therefore the FDA recommends consumers stop using these hand sanitizers and dispose of them immediately in appropriate hazardous waste containers. Do not pour these products down the drain.
FDA reminds consumers to wash their hands often using soap and water especially after using the bathroom, before eating. After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not available then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol.Barry Anderson, BDO Contributing writer
Posted June 23, 2020 Dr. P. Gould, BDO Medical Contributor.
Gathea Gilmer, Health Ministry Coordinator
