Masks: What You Need to Know

Masks have been recommended by various authorities as a way to protect our communities from further spread of Coronavirus. But they are increasingly politicized and controversial. They are also uncomfortable.  

In this article, I unpack whether masks are worth wearing: Are they effective? Are they safe? Should you wear them? And should your children? 

Other mask questions? Here are some articles on which masks to choose and how to make sure your children wear them.

Brief Summary

• Masks are safe.

• Masks are effective.

• Children can wear masks, except in unique and specific situations.

Are Masks Effective?

COVID-19 is transmitted primarily by aerosols, or small droplets, that are ejected when speaking, singing, coughing and sneezing. People with COVID-19 can be asymptomatic and unaware that they are contagious. Wearing a mask protects those around you because it prevents those aerosols from being distributed in the air.

There is very little rigorous research on mask-use with COVID-19, particularly in children. Assessing epidemiologic trends, however, shows that masking does decrease COVID-19 transmission in states where masks were mandated had a slow-down in spread of COVID-19) and mortality (in countries who were early adopters of widespread mask-wearing). 

Is It Safe For My Child To Wear A Mask?

Yes. With a few caveats.

In countries where mask-wearing in public is culturally widespread, children and adults wear masks without any issues.

Additionally, even pre-COVID-19, immuno-compromised children (transplant recipients, chemotherapy patients) routinely wore masks in public places without any adverse effects.

Can Wearing A Mask Drop My Oxygen Level? Or Increase My CO2 Level?

No. Although some rebreathing of carbon dioxide does occur, our bodies are designed to handle it with ease. Cloth and surgical masks are designed to prevent viral particles from passing through, not gases. Even an N95, which is fitted tightly, can be worn for long periods of time without this being an issue. Additionally, in countries where mask-wearing is widespread, such as China or Japan, children are able to wear masks without problems.

Even prior to COVID-19, surgeons and anesthesiologists wore surgical masks throughout long, complex surgeries and did not pass out because their oxygen levels had dropped too low (or their carbon dioxide levels were too high). They not only continued to provide complex care, but there is no evidence that wearing a mask impaired them in any way. Even surgeons with asthma or other respiratory issues are able to wear a mask for long periods. 

Currently, healthcare providers wear N95 masks all day long in the hospital. Although these are tight and can be uncomfortable, we are still functioning and taking care of our patients. (N95 masks are not recommended for the general public.)

What About In Children? Does The Mask Drop Their Oxygen Levels?

[see right]

Moonbeam and Munchkin prove that the oxygen saturation level does not change appreciably after wearing a mask and running around.

Final Thoughts

In recent weeks, mask-wearing has become increasingly political and controversial, and there is a good deal of misinformation.

The reality is simple: Masks are like seatbelts. They save lives. Masks will protect your family, and your community. Wear a mask, and wear it properly. 

Check out other posts for additional information about masks, such as which mask to choose, and how to get your child to keep it on.