8.29.23 – Epoch Times
“COVID Mask Wearers Could Be Exposed to Toxic Chemicals: Study”
By Mary Gillis
*Please go to the MORE INFORMATION section at the end of this article to see numerous, fact-filled articles about COVID and masks.
Excerpts from this article:
Some have heralded masks as the gold standard of protective gear against COVID-19. However, they may be causing more problems than expected.
Results from a study published in the Journal of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety in May have indicated that masks pose significant risks to wearers due to toxins emitted by the tight-fitting face coverings.
Researchers from South Korea measured the number and concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from several different masks, including cotton masks and KF94 masks—a popular type of disposable mask similar to the N95 mask.
Four types of VOCs were detected in KF94 masks at 22.9–147 times higher concentrations compared to other masks comprised of fabrics like cotton.
The total number of VOC particles was 14 times that in cotton masks.
In some KF94 masks, numbers reached a threshold high enough to pose a serious risk to human health.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOCs are manmade chemicals that can evaporate at room temperature and are often “used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants.”
Inhaling them may cause the following:
- Eyes, nose, and throat irritation.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Headaches.
- Nausea.
- Damage to the central nervous system and other organs.
- Cancer (some cases in animals, and suspected or known cases in humans).
VOC CONCENTRATIONS WORSE AT CERTAIN TIMES AND TEMPERATURES
Researchers found that VOC concentrations fluctuated depending on environmental temperature and when the KF94s were removed from their packaging.
When the temperature of the KF94 masks was raised to 104 F (40 C), concentrations increased by 119 to 299 percent. Levels decreased by 80 percent 30 minutes after removing the masks from the packaging.
…“Based on our findings, we suggest that prior to wearing a KF94 mask, each product should be opened and not worn for at least 30 min, thereby reducing total VOC concentrations to levels that will not impair human health,” the authors concluded.
OTHER TOXINS AND MASK-INDUCED EXHAUSTION SYNDROME
One 2022 study also highlighted toxic chemicals found in several masks and a long list of the possible consequences of covering up.
Phthalates are widely used chemicals that disrupt human endocrine systems and impact human health. While phthalates are said to make masks more versatile and flexible, there’s a high price to pay when choosing comfort over safety.
Instead of being chemically bonded to the material, phthalates are used as an additive that can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Exposure is detrimental to reproductive and neurological development.
Researchers in China found harmful phthalates in 56 mask samples collected from several countries. According to results from the study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, nearly 90 percent of the samples contained potential carcinogens, suggesting any benefits of masking may be outweighed by the risks unless types and levels of chemicals are managed to be within safe limits.
A comprehensive review published in Front Public Health in April found significant negative impacts of both surgical and N95 masks. Adverse effects correlated with mask-wearing included:
- Decreased oxygen saturation.
- Decreased minute ventilation.
- Increased carbon dioxide in the blood.
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature.
- Higher levels of discomfort.
- Shortness of breath.
- Headaches.
- Acne.
- Skin irritation.
- Dizziness.
“Masks interfered with O2-uptake and CO2-release and compromised respiratory compensation,” the review authors wrote.
…several mask related symptoms may have been misinterpreted as long COVID-19 symptoms…
MORE INFORMATION
11.30.21 – “More Than 400 Studies on the Failure of Compulsory Covid Interventions (Lockdowns, Restrictions, Closures)” -- Dr. Paul Elias Alexander – Brownstone Institute - https://donnagarner.org/11-30-21-more-than-400-sudies-on-the-failure-of-covid-interventons-dr-paul-alexander-view-article/
11.20.20 -- “COVID: No Real Differences by Wearing Masks – Largest Randomized Controlled Trial” -- by Donna Garner -- https://donnagarner.org/11-20-20-covid-no-real-differences-by-wearing-masks/
12.30.21 - “Proof Masks Don’t Work” -- From Henry W. Burke -- https://donnagarner.org/proof-masks-dont-work/
5.15.23 – “Videos: The International Covid Summit III in the European Parliament, Brussels” -- by Robert W. Malone, MD, MS – Substack -- https://donnagarner.org/5-15-23-videos-the-international-covid-summit-iii-in-european-parliament-brussels-by-dr-robert-malone-md-ms-substack-3/
6.2.22 – “Peer-Reviewed Studies Confirm That Vaccine and Mask Mandates Did Not Stop COVID Spread in Schools and Universities”-- By Enrico Trigoso – Epoch Times -- https://donnagarner.org/peer-reviewed-studies-confirm-that-vaccine-and-mask-mandates-did-not-stop-covid-spread-in-schools-and-universities/
8.8.22 -- “Documented Proof: Masks Do Not Work – Never Have” -- From America’s Frontline Doctors – AFLDS -- https://donnagarner.org/documented-proof-masks-do-not-work-never-have/
2.27.23 -- “How the U. S. Knew in Nov. 2019 That China Started COVID” – by Penny Zhou – Epoch Times -- with comments by Donna Garner -- https://donnagarner.org/2-27-23-how-the-u-s-knew-in-nov-2019-that-china-started-covid/
5.14.22 – “Thousands of Medical Professionals Demand Accountability for COVID ‘Corrupt Alliance’ Causing ‘Crimes Against Humanity’” -- By Susan Berry, PhD – The Star Network -- https://donnagarner.org/thousands-of-medical-professionals-demand-accountability-for-covid-corrupt-alliance-causing-crimes-against-humanity/
10.6.22 – “Doctors File First Lawsuit Challenging California Law That Seeks to Punish Physicians for COVID ‘Misinformation’” -- By Suzanne Burdick, PhD -- Children’s Health Defense -- https://donnagarner.org/10-6-22-doctors-file-first-lawsuit-challenging-california-law-that-seeks-to-punish-physicians-for-covid-misinformation/
5.18.20 -- “Another Courageous MD Steps Forward To Share the Truth about COVID” -- https://donnagarner.org/another-courageous-md-steps-forward-to-share-the-truth-about-covid/
2.1.21 – “Science, Politics, and COVID – Will Truth Prevail?” -- by Dr. Scott Atlas – Imprimis – https://donnagarner.org/science-politics-and-covid-will-truth-prevail/