If people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, can safely wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic, it weakens the argument that it’s unsafe for anyone else.
That’s the conclusion of researchers who tested whether those with the debilitating lung disease dangerously choke off their supply of oxygen when wearing masks. The scientists say they were kind of annoyed that people were coming up with excuses for not wearing the face coverings.
After news reports about residents of in Florida objecting to masks at a commissioner’s meeting, the researchers decided to see for themselves. In an investigation led by a Miami clinician, 30 people were recruited — 15 healthy volunteers, and 15 veterans with severe COPD that had diminished their lung function to just 50%.
All 30 wore the face masks for half an hour, walking for six of those minutes. Later, they were given blood tests that showed no changes in their oxygen or carbon dioxide, or CO2, levels. That weakens the common argument of mask critics that they can cause CO2 levels to rise, thereby poisoning the wearer.
Scientists note it is certainly true that some folks might experience feelings of anxiety, claustrophobia and even neurological responses to wearing masks that cause the perception of difficulty in breathing. And that could change breathing patterns.
The lead author of the study, which is published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, says masks might be uncomfortable. But saying they can cause medical harm is unfounded.
One thing health experts do agree on is that wearing a mask is a safe way to protect yourself from the coronavirus.