The surgical N95 mask has been held up as the gold standard when it comes to protecting against Covid.
But a study quietly re-shared by the National Institutes of Health in spring suggests the tight-fitting mask may expose users to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals.
Researchers from Jeonbuk National University in South Korea looked at two types of disposable medical-grade masks, as well as several reusable cotton masks.
The study found that the chemicals released by these masks had eight times the recommended safety limit of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs).
Inhaling TVOCs has been linked to health issues like headaches and nausea, while prolonged and repeated has been linked to organ damage and even cancer.
The study found that the chemicals released by these masks had eight times the recommended safety limit of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs).
Inhaling TVOCs has been linked to health issues like headaches and nausea, while prolonged and repeated has been linked to organ damage and even cancer.
That’s more than eight times the recommended limit.
TVOCs are a large group of odorous chemicals, many of which are released by cleaning and beauty products, burning fuel and cooking.
Sources of TVOCs in the home include aerosol sprays, cleansers and disinfectants, moth repellents, air fresheners and automotive products.
Other sources include building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, permanent markers, correction fluids, carbonless copy paper and craft materials including glues and adhesives.
TVOCs have been shown to irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, cause difficulty breathing and nausea, and damage the central nervous system and organs like the liver, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).
Some are even considered human carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer.
The researchers specifically flagged the chemicals dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and dimethylformamide (DMF) for being linked to liver and reproductive damage.
The team acknowledged that the sample size was small and that they did not test several other popular disposable masks like KN95s.
The study builds off previous research suggesting that mask wearing could cause more harm than good.
Research carried out by the Cochrane Institute, for example, suggested that face masks made ‘little to no difference’ in Covid infections and deaths.
The researchers said harms caused by masks – including hampering children’s schooling – were poorly measured in the studies, meaning any small benefit on infection rates may be outweighed.
And a controversial study suggested that wearing face masks raises the risk of stillbirths, testicular dysfunction, and cognitive decline in children.
However, experts have criticized the study for drawing conclusions without proper evidence.
‘It is indeed possible that certain masks have side effects, just as certain helpful medications (anti-histamines, psychotropic drugs, antibiotics) have side effects,’ Dr Fischer said.
‘Almost everything in healthcare has a benefit/side effect profile.’
Though the findings were published in April, the study could have new relevance as Covid variant BA.2.86 spreads across the US.
Several universities, hospitals, and even the Hollywood studio Lionsgate have reinstated mask mandates amid the surge.
But the newly found dangers of masks typically considered the most protective could make mask mandates ineffective.
‘I think following the general recommendations might be helpful, but it’s not clear yet if we need the sweeping edicts of three years ago.,’ Dr Fischer said.
‘Extreme fears about the lethality of Covid may have led to decisions that were counterproductive.’
‘Covid won’t be going away for a long time, if ever. We desperately need policies that do not fracture our society while providing minimal protection.’
