Are Face Masks Really Safe? 7 Side Effects You May Feel Too
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They can hurt small children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically states that cloth face coverings of any kind should not be placed on children under the age of 2. Since their lungs are still developing and they’re usually on the move, small children need proper airflow – and face masks can restrict it causing health problems.
The same rule applies to those who have trouble breathing, are unconscious or unable to remove the mask themselves without assistance.
Captain’s Tip: Follow the CDC’s guidelines and consult a doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with any type of respiratory illness.
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They give you a false sense of safety
Luckily, wearing a mask can reduce your risk for coronavirus infection by up to 70%. However, it is not the bulletproof tool some people make it seem to be.
Marcia Anderson, medical officer of health at the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, explains that face masks can only be effective if you also take every other precaution measure too.
I’ve seen this habit in subways, for example: people are social distancing down the street (without a mask), but once they enter the subway with their masks on they instantly reduce the social distance.
Face masks do give us all a sense of security, but once again, it’s definitely not bulletproof.
Captain’s Tip: Difficult as it may be, do your best to avoid commonly touched surfaces and maintain social distance especially in crowded areas.
