Unmasking the Truth: about wearing masks

There have been a lot of discussions about the use of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions about whether wearing a mask is effective, or its potential to harm its users, are just some concerns people may have. With large amounts of information being funneled into our heads every day, it is important to look at the evidence when making important decisions. Some may ask “how is choosing to wear a mask or not an important decision”? As a matter of fact, even something as small as a mask can be the difference between life and death. Studies have shown that wearing masks, along with proper hand hygiene practices, are effective against COVID-19 [1]. It is interesting to note that the science behind wearing a mask has not changed, as it has always been proven to be effective and it explains why some Asian countries have it embedded in their lifestyles. However, it is baffling to find that there are numerous individuals, “anti-maskers,” who are strongly against the evidence and science of wearing a mask for a safety against a virus that is no respecter of persons. In fact, there were many scientific studies conducted that demonstrated the effectiveness of wearing a mask, when used properly.

First, it is important to note the functions of masks and how they are used in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. While they protect the wearer of the mask from exposure, they also act as a source of control as they protect individuals from exposure to respiratory aerosols/droplets from the mask wearer [2]. A total of 19 randomised controlled trials in 8 different communities and 6 different healthcare settings identified that the usage of masks proved to be effective, with or without the use of hand hygiene, but the combination of both is much more effective [1]. Another study conducted in China examined changes in transmission rate of COVID-19 in comparison to mask usage. This retroactive study, which means looking back into the past to identify trends and possible exposures, discovered that if one or more family member wore a mask, the transmission rate dropped by 79% [3]. As a result, this study demonstrates the potential of wearing masks to prevent viral outbreaks if more people wore masks. Moreover, a study in New York projected that the widespread use of masks would have prevented many deaths through model simulations. The simulations identified that the number of deaths could be reduced by about 17-45%, if 80% of the population wore masks. To add to that, the study stated that even if the masks were only 50% effective, the number of lives saved will remain around the same [4]. This goes to show just how important and effective it is to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that wearing masks properly is extremely crucial in its effectiveness in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a mask improperly may result in even more spread of the disease.

Unfortunately, thus far, there have been immense resistance against the use of masks, especially in regions where it has been mandated. Despite the aforementioned statistics, many individuals still fall prey to myths on the use of mask and they fail to carry out actions that could reduce the daily spread of infections by 40% [5]. You might have seen videos or pictures of individuals wearing masks with a hole cut out or wearing it down on the chin without covering their mouths or nose, these methods are not effective in preventing COVID-19, and may even cause more damage than good. These actions were mainly caused by the fear of bodily harm by wearing masks. Concerns such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2) poisoning and suffocation from wearing masks, or that masks result in oxygen level depletion are some examples of many [6]. These concerns are justified, we should not be making decisions without looking at facts and evidence. According to Darrell Spurlock Jr., the director and professor of the Leadership Centre for Nursing Education Research at Widener University, rebreathing small amounts of CO2 is not a concern when comparing to the consequences of being infected with COVID-19. He also stated that our body has the capacity to easily and effectively eliminate the slight increase of CO2 caused by wearing masks [7].

In conclusion, whether or not masks are effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 has caused a lot of controversy. Part of this controversy might be driven by misinformation or inconclusive data. The information and data that was present in the first couple months of the outbreak is different from the data and information we know presently and does not come as a surprise in the scientific world. As information evolves, the way we approach situations also needs to evolve, which is why masks are now highly recommended and/or mandated in many parts of the world. Wearing a mask may be undeniably uncomfortable; however, if we were able to save someone’s life by just being a little bit uncomfortable, isn’t that worth it?

References

1. MacIntyre CR, Chughtai AA. (2020). A rapid systematic review of the efficacy of face masks and respirators against coronaviruses and other respiratory transmissible viruses for the community, healthcare workers and sick patients. International Journal of Nursing Studies. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103629
   

2. Public Health Ontario. (2020). COVID-19 – What We Know So Far About…Wearing Masks in Public. Retrieved July 13, 2020, from https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/covid-wwksf/what-we-know-public-masks-apr-7-2020.pdf?la=en
   

3. Wang, Y., Tian, H., Zhang, L., Zhang, M., Guo, D., Wu, W., ... & Liu, B. (2020). Reduction of secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in households by face mask use, disinfection and social distancing: a cohort study in Beijing, China. BMJ Global Health, 5(5), e002794.
   

4. Eikenberry, S. E., Mancuso, M., Iboi, E., Phan, T., Eikenberry, K., Kuang, Y., ... & Gumel, A. B. (2020). To mask or not to mask: Modeling the potential for face mask use by the general public to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic. Infectious Disease Modelling.
   

5. William Haseltane (2020). Why Wearing A Face Mask Is The Sanest Thing You Can Do. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/deloitte/2020/06/29/tracking-the-recovery-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-one-another/#147782f65ed0
   

6. Dunn, A. (2020, June 01). Fact check: Wearing a face mask will not cause hypoxia, hypoxemia or hypercapnia. Retrieved July 14, 2020, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/05/30/fact-check-wearing-face-mask-not-cause-hypoxia-hypercapnia/5260106002/
   

7. Citroner, G. (2020). No, facemasks can’t cause CO2 poisoning”. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/no-face-masks-cant-cause-co2-poisoning