SHARE ON: |
| |
| |
 |
 |
|
|
Researchers at the University of Miami are dispelling claims that wearing a face mask can increase a person’s carbon dioxide levels.
In a new study published in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), researchers examined the breathing of 15 healthy physicians without lung conditions and 15 veterans living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In order to assess the changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, researchers compared the breathing of each individual before and after wearing a surgical mask through a six-minute walking test.
During the walk, subjects with severe COPD experienced decreased oxygenation as expected by the researchers. However, at the five-minute mark and 30 minutes after the walk, researchers found no major changes in oxygen saturation or carbon dioxide levels with either group.
We show that the effects are minimal at most even in people with very severe lung impairment, Dr. Michael Campos of the Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Miami said in a statement.
When asked about the discomfort felt by some people when wearing a mask, Dr. Campos explained: The feeling of shortness of breath, felt with masks by some is not synonymous [with] alterations in gas exchange. It likely occurs from restriction of air flow with the mask in particular when higher ventilation is needed (on exertion).
The use of face masks has become a highly politicized issue throughout the pandemic, with some individuals falsely claiming that wearing a mask can negatively impact a person’s breathing and put their health at-risk.
Scientists and disease experts have attempted to eradicate COVID-19 conspiracy theories by reassuring the public that face coverings can safely and effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19 respiratory droplets. Despite these efforts some people are still not persuaded.
Anti-mask groups have been holding rallies in cities across Canada in objection to pandemic-related restrictions. Demonstrators have continuously questioned the effectiveness of mask wearing and social distancing practices with regard to curbing the spread of the virus.
According to data from a survey conducted by Statistics Canada, about 84 per cent of Canadians said they wore a mask or other kind of personal protective equipment in July. In a previous study conducted in June, only 65 per cent of Canadians reported wearing a mask in public spaces where physical distancing was difficult.
We acknowledge that our observations may be limited by sample size, however our population offers a clear signal on the nil effect of surgical masks on relevant physiological changes in gas exchange under routine circumstances (prolonged rest, brief walking), the ATS study says.
It is important to inform the public that the discomfort associated with mask use should not lead to unsubstantiated safety concerns as this may attenuate the application of a practice proven to improve public health.
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
11 am |
| 13 ℃ |
| MODERATE RAIN |
WIND: W 52 KM/H
GUSTING TO 82 KM/H |
|
|
|
12 pm |
| 13 ℃ |
| LIGHT RAIN |
WIND: WNW 48 KM/H
GUSTING TO 73 KM/H |
|
|
|
1 pm |
| 13 ℃ |
| LIGHT RAIN |
WIND: WNW 45 KM/H
GUSTING TO 64 KM/H |
|
|
|
2 pm |
| 13 ℃ |
| LIGHT RAIN |
WIND: WNW 42 KM/H
GUSTING TO 63 KM/H |
|
|
|
3 pm |
| 14 ℃ |
| LIGHT RAIN |
WIND: WNW 38 KM/H
GUSTING TO 61 KM/H |
|
|
|
4 pm |
| 13 ℃ |
| LIGHT RAIN |
WIND: WNW 36 KM/H
GUSTING TO 58 KM/H |
|
|
|
5 pm |
| 14 ℃ |
| LIGHT RAIN |
WIND: WNW 35 KM/H
GUSTING TO 56 KM/H |
|
|
|
6 pm |
| 14 ℃ |
| LIGHT RAIN |
WIND: WNW 31 KM/H
GUSTING TO 55 KM/H |
|
|
|
|
TODAY |
HIGH OF 16 ℃
LOW OF 10 ℃ |
| HEAVY INTENSITY RAIN |
|
|
 |
TUESDAY |
HIGH OF 22 ℃
LOW OF 10 ℃ |
| FEW CLOUDS |
|
|
|
WEDNESDAY |
HIGH OF 30 ℃
LOW OF 15 ℃ |
| LIGHT RAIN |
|
|
|
THURSDAY |
HIGH OF 27 ℃
LOW OF 17 ℃ |
| MODERATE RAIN |
|
|
 |
FRIDAY |
HIGH OF 27 ℃
LOW OF 16 ℃ |
| SCATTERED CLOUDS |
|
|
 |
SATURDAY |
HIGH OF 24 ℃
LOW OF 14 ℃ |
| CLEAR SKY |
|
|
|
SUNDAY |
HIGH OF 27 ℃
LOW OF 14 ℃ |
| CLEAR SKY |
|
|
|
MONDAY |
HIGH OF 25 ℃
LOW OF 18 ℃ |
| LIGHT RAIN |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
| Golf Partner Labor Day Sale – Up to 10% Off! |
| |
| Shop the world’s largest golf chain store and save! Get 10% off all used items, with select gear discounted up to 70% for Labor Day. |
| |
| Labor Day deals won’t last—save on golf gear today! |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
ASHLEY COOKE
WHAT ARE YOU ON FIRE ABOUT
11:52 AM |
|
 |
CHRIS YOUNG
JESUS MOMMA COUNTRY RADIO
11:50 AM |
|
 |
GARY ALLAN
LONG YEAR
11:46 AM |
|
 |
COLE SWINDELL
DIRTY DANCING
11:40 AM |
|
 |
MORGAN WALLEN
LEAVINS THE LEAST I COULD DO
11:37 AM |
|
 |
RASCAL FLATTS
IM MOVIN ON
11:33 AM |
|
 |
GLEN TEMPLETON
BALL CAP
11:30 AM |
|
 |
CODIE PREVOST
IN MY BOOK
11:27 AM |
|
 |
THOMAS RHETT
GET ME SOME OF THAT
11:23 AM |
|
 |
DUSTIN LYNCH
HOME TO YOU
11:20 AM |
|
 
 |
