Dr.
Russell Blaylock, a Board-certified neurosurgeon, writes:
As for the scientific support for the use of face mask, a recent
careful examination of the literature, in which 17 of the best studies were
analyzed, concluded that, “ None of the studies established a conclusive
relationship between mask/respirator use and protection against influenza
infection.”1 Keep in mind, no studies have been done to demonstrate
that either a cloth mask or the N95 mask has any effect on transmission of the
COVID-19 virus. Any recommendations, therefore, have to be based on studies of
influenza virus transmission. And, as you have seen, there is no conclusive
evidence of their efficiency in controlling flu virus transmission...
Now that we have established that there is no scientific evidence
necessitating the wearing of a face mask for prevention, are there dangers to
wearing a face mask, especially for long periods? Several studies have indeed
found significant problems with wearing such a mask. This can vary from
headaches, to increased airway resistance, carbon dioxide accumulation, to
hypoxia, all the way to serious life-threatening complications.
There is a difference between the N95 respirator mask and the
surgical mask (cloth or paper mask) in terms of side effects. The N95 mask,
which filters out 95% of particles with a median diameter >0.3 µm2 ,
because it impairs respiratory exchange (breathing) to a greater degree than a
soft mask, and is more often associated with headaches. In one such study,
researchers surveyed 212 healthcare workers (47 males and 165 females) asking
about presence of headaches with N95 mask use, duration of the headaches, type
of headaches and if the person had preexisting headaches.2
They found that about a third of the workers developed headaches
with use of the mask, most had preexisting headaches that were worsened by the
mask wearing, and 60% required pain medications for relief. As to the cause of
the headaches, while straps and pressure from the mask could be causative, the
bulk of the evidence points toward hypoxia and/or hypercapnia as the cause.
That is, a reduction in blood oxygenation (hypoxia) or an elevation in blood
C02 (hypercapnia). It is known that the N95 mask, if worn for hours, can reduce
blood oxygenation as much as 20%, which can lead to a loss of consciousness, as
happened to the hapless fellow driving around alone in his car wearing an N95
mask, causing him to pass out, and to crash his car and sustain injuries. I am
sure that we have several cases of elderly individuals or any person with poor
lung function passing out, hitting their head. This, of course, can lead to
death.
A more recent study involving 159 healthcare workers aged 21 to 35
years of age found that 81% developed headaches from wearing a face
mask.3 Some had pre-existing headaches that were precipitated by
the masks. All felt like the headaches affected their work performance.
Unfortunately, no one is telling the frail elderly and those with
lung diseases, such as COPD, emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis, of these dangers
when wearing a facial mask of any kind—which can cause a severe worsening of
lung function. This also includes lung cancer patients and people having had
lung surgery, especially with partial resection or even the removal of a whole
lung.
While most agree that the N95 mask can cause significant hypoxia
and hypercapnia, another study of surgical masks found significant reductions
in blood oxygen as well. In this study, researchers examined the blood oxygen
levels in 53 surgeons using an oximeter. They measured blood oxygenation before
surgery as well as at the end of surgeries.4 The researchers found that the
mask reduced the blood oxygen levels (pa02) significantly. The longer the duration
of wearing the mask, the greater the fall in blood oxygen levels.
The
importance of these findings is that a drop in oxygen levels (hypoxia) is
associated with an impairment in immunity. Studies have shown that hypoxia can
inhibit the type of main immune cells used to fight viral infections called the
CD4+ T-lymphocyte. This occurs because the hypoxia increases the level of a
compound called hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), which inhibits
T-lymphocytes and stimulates a powerful immune inhibitor cell called the Tregs.
. This sets the stage for contracting any infection, including COVID-19 and
making the consequences of that infection much graver. In essence, your mask
may very well put you at an increased risk of infections and if so, having a much
worse outcome.
What this means is
that the mindless and illiterate mask mandate are mandating serious health
risks to customers and employees. The mask is part of that security
theater of corporate America that demands compliance of a new normal while
flaunting traditions, proven, and long-lasting values. It's as
though corporate America isn't independent or entrepreneurial, but
that they themselves have willingly fastened government shackles around
their business. What an embarrassment.
