STORY:
Study Makes Claim That Masks are ‘Ineffective’, Have ‘Devastating Health Consequences’
Baruch Vainshelboim, a clinical exercise physiologist, published a study in November that recirculated on the internet recently hypothesizing that masks are ineffective and could have long-term health consequences.
“Although, scientific evidence supporting facemasks’ efficacy is lacking, adverse physiological, psychological and health effects are established,” the article states.
…the researcher … says not only are masks ineffective, but could also be causing long-term health problems.
“Both medical and non-medical facemasks are ineffective to reduce human-to-human transmission and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19,” the article details. “Wearing facemasks has adverse physiological and psychological effects … [and] long-term consequences of wearing facemasks on health are detrimental.”
The research suggests that the long-term practice of wearing facemasks has the “strong potential for devastating health consequences,” and states that masks should be “avoided from use.” …
“The existing scientific evidences challenge the safety and efficacy of wearing facemask as preventive intervention for COVID-19,” the article reads. “The data suggest that both medical and non-medical facemasks are ineffective to block human-to-human transmission of viral and infectious disease such SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, supporting against the usage of facemasks. Wearing facemasks has been demonstrated to have substantial adverse physiological and psychological effects.”
Physiological and Psychological Effects of Wearing Facemask and Their Potential Health Consequences.
Vainshelboim also cited the possible impact COVID-19 has on mental health.
“With respect to mental health, global estimates showing that COVID- 19 will cause a catastrophe due to collateral psychological damage such as quarantine, lockdowns, unemployment, economic collapse, social isolation, violence and suicides,” he wrote. “Chronic stress along with hypoxic and hypercapnic conditions knocks the body out of balance … This state suppressing the immune system to protect the body from viruses and bacteria, decreasing cognitive function, promoting the developing and exacerbating the major health issues …”
THE STUDY:
Facemasks in the COVID-19 era: A health hypothesis
Conclusion
The existing scientific evidences challenge the safety and efficacy of wearing facemask as preventive intervention for COVID-19. The data suggest that both medical and non-medical facemasks are ineffective to block human-to-human transmission of viral and infectious disease such SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, supporting against the usage of facemasks. Wearing facemasks has been demonstrated to have substantial adverse physiological and psychological effects. These include hypoxia, hypercapnia, shortness of breath, increased acidity and toxicity, activation of fear and stress response, rise in stress hormones, immunosuppression, fatigue, headaches, decline in cognitive performance, predisposition for viral and infectious illnesses, chronic stress, anxiety and depression. Long-term consequences of wearing facemask can cause health deterioration, developing and progression of chronic diseases and premature death. Governments, policy makers and health organizations should utilize prosper and scientific evidence-based approach with respect to wearing facemasks, when the latter is considered as preventive intervention for public health.