Is the mask bad for your health?

Is the mask bad for your health? Let’s debunk some hoaxes about wearing masks.

Many buffalo roam the web. Some are particularly dangerous because they refer to health problems.

The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely created a formidable breeding ground for these strange theories.

Whether it stems from conspiracy, ignorance, or naivety, certain news items contribute to panic and offer no help in tackling the problem.

Let’s debunk some hoaxes and false information about the use of masks.

Myth: masks are bad for children’s health

Those who spread this theory speak of the risk of alkalosis due to excess carbon dioxide. Among the widespread rumors we have this, sometimes in the variant “acidosis” instead of alkalosis.

The Italian Society of Pediatrics reassures us, explaining that a healthy child does not breathe too much carbon dioxide with the mask. Even if you used it all day, you would not suffer from alkalosis or lack of oxygen. We are talking about the use of certified masks, which are made of breathable materials.

Does the mask weaken the immune system?

This is not true either, on the contrary, the use of the protection device in situations that require it protects the weakest subjects. By avoiding the transmission of the virus, which can also occur between asymptomatic people, immunosuppressed people are especially protected.

Certainly, the child does not have to wear the mask all day, but only in risky situations.

Is the mask bad for children with asthma?

In fact, asthmatics could benefit from wearing a mask. In fact, this decreases the inhalation of pollen and other allergens that trigger asthma. If they wear certified surgical masks, there is no risk of bronchospasm.

In general, the use of surgical or cloth masks to go to school is recommended. The use of FFP2 or FFP3 should be reserved for situations involving proximity to virus-positive subjects or in a hospital setting.

Clearly, no advice found on the web can replace the opinion of the treating physician.

Who shouldn’t use it?

Reliable information is available and helpful precautions are clearly stated.

In fact, it is true that you should not wear the mask while doing sports. It should not be used while running, cycling or jogging. It is not necessary and should not be used outdoors when safe distances are respected.

Children under 6 years of age and those with disabilities or illnesses not compatible with prolonged use are exempt from using the mask.

So is the mask bad for your health?

Fnomceo, the National Federation of Orders of Surgeons and Dentists, has responded to these and other questions. Everything is available on the portal maintained by the Federation: dottoremaeveroche.it.