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Is a Mask That Covers the Mouth and Nose Free from Undesirable Side Effects in Everyday Use and Free of Potential Hazards?

Author

Listed:
  • Kai Kisielinski

    (Private Practice, 40212 Düsseldorf, Germany)

  • Paul Giboni

    (Private Practice, 22763 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Andreas Prescher

    (Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy (MOCA), Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Bernd Klosterhalfen

    (Institute of Pathology, Dueren Hospital, Roonstrasse 30, 52351 Dueren, Germany)

  • David Graessel

    (Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany)

  • Stefan Funken

    (Private Practice, 47803 Krefeld, Germany)

  • Oliver Kempski

    (Institute of Neurosurgical Pathophysiology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany)

  • Oliver Hirsch

    (Department of Psychology, FOM University of Applied Sciences, 57078 Siegen, Germany)

Abstract

Many countries introduced the requirement to wear masks in public spaces for containing SARS-CoV-2 making it commonplace in 2020. Up until now, there has been no comprehensive investigation as to the adverse health effects masks can cause. The aim was to find, test, evaluate and compile scientifically proven related side effects of wearing masks. For a quantitative evaluation, 44 mostly experimental studies were referenced, and for a substantive evaluation, 65 publications were found. The literature revealed relevant adverse effects of masks in numerous disciplines. In this paper, we refer to the psychological and physical deterioration as well as multiple symptoms described because of their consistent, recurrent and uniform presentation from different disciplines as a Mask-Induced Exhaustion Syndrome (MIES). We objectified evaluation evidenced changes in respiratory physiology of mask wearers with significant correlation of O 2 drop and fatigue ( p < 0.05), a clustered co-occurrence of respiratory impairment and O 2 drop (67%), N95 mask and CO 2 rise (82%), N95 mask and O 2 drop (72%), N95 mask and headache (60%), respiratory impairment and temperature rise (88%), but also temperature rise and moisture (100%) under the masks. Extended mask-wearing by the general population could lead to relevant effects and consequences in many medical fields.

Suggested Citation

  • Kai Kisielinski & Paul Giboni & Andreas Prescher & Bernd Klosterhalfen & David Graessel & Stefan Funken & Oliver Kempski & Oliver Hirsch, 2021. "Is a Mask That Covers the Mouth and Nose Free from Undesirable Side Effects in Everyday Use and Free of Potential Hazards?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-42, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4344-:d:539425
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Naomi R Smart & Claire J Horwell & Trevor S Smart & Karen S Galea, 2020. "Assessment of the Wearability of Facemasks against Air Pollution in Primary School-Aged Children in London," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-13, June.
    2. Antonio Scarano & Francesco Inchingolo & Felice Lorusso, 2020. "Facial Skin Temperature and Discomfort When Wearing Protective Face Masks: Thermal Infrared Imaging Evaluation and Hands Moving the Mask," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-9, June.
    3. Villalonga-Olives, E. & Kawachi, I., 2017. "The dark side of social capital: A systematic review of the negative health effects of social capital," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 105-127.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    personal protective equipment; masks; N95 face mask; surgical mask; risk; adverse effects; long-term adverse effects; contraindications; health risk assessment; hypercapnia; hypoxia; headache; dyspnea; physical exertion; MIES syndrome;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N95 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - Asia including Middle East

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