It has been just revealed that NIH’s study is addressing the toxicity and cancer risk that we’ve been seeing if we wore masks. Check out the latest reports about this below.
It is important to note the fact that many people rely on surgical N95 masks for protection against Covid, but recent research from the National Institutes of Health has revealed some concerning news. The study found that these masks, which are designed to fit tightly to the face, may actually expose users to harmful levels of toxic chemicals.
The health dangers of masks
This is a worrying discovery, as inhaling these chemicals can be dangerous to one’s health.
The researchers from Jeonbuk National University in South Korea also examined other types of masks and found that even some disposable medical-grade masks and reusable cotton masks release chemicals that exceed recommended safety levels.
It’s important to be informed about the potential risks associated with different types of masks and to take steps to protect ourselves while also staying safe from Covid.as been linked to health issues like headaches and nausea, while prolonged and repeated has been linked to organ damage and even cancer.
According to a recent study published in April, researchers are emphasizing the importance of monitoring the VOCs associated with KF94 medical masks and their potential impact on human health.
The study suggests that opening the mask and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes before use can significantly reduce exposure. It is possible that the packaging of these masks could also play a role in the amount of chemicals they contain.
The study was published in the Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety journal and is available on the NIH website. However, the NIH states that inclusion in their database does not imply endorsement of the contents. The study found that cloth masks had 14 times lower levels of TVOCs and did not pose a risk to human health.
However, the study did not measure the effects of wearing the masks.
According to Dr. Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine physician in New York, the recent study on masks does not provide solid conclusions. However, he did mention that there is increasing evidence showing the negative effects of wearing masks and that there may be diminishing returns on their effectiveness.
The study tested 14 disposable and cloth masks that were purchased online. The disposable masks were KFAD and KF94 models made from thermoplastics polypropylene and polyurethane nylon. These masks are popular in South Korea where the study was conducted, while KN95s are more commonly used in the US. Although the differences between them are minimal, KFADs and KF94s filter 94 percent of particles, while KN95s filter 95 percent. The cloth masks were made from cotton, ramie (a vegetable fiber), and polyurethane. The researchers found that the TVOC concentration levels in the masks were not harmful to human health.
On the other hand, the disposable masks contained up to 14 times the TVOCs than cotton masks.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping TVOC levels below 0.5 parts per million in indoor air. We suggest that you check out the original article in order to learn more details.
