According to a study posted by the National Institutes of Health earlier this year, indicates that the tight-fitting masks may expose users to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals.
The journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety as well as the NIH website both provided details of the research.
Scientists from Jeonbuk National University in South Korea examined reusable fabric masks as well as two other disposable medical-grade mask types for the research. The results revealed that the chemicals produced by the medical-grade masks had at least eight times the advised safety limit of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), according to the experts.
According to the data, breathing in TVOCs may cause headaches and nausea. Organ damage and cancer are also linked to prolonged and repetitive exposure.
The researchers cautioned that further research is necessary to fully understand the VOCs connected to surgical mask usage and their impacts on human health.
They continued by saying that there are measures to lessen the risk. If you open a mask and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before using it, exposure may be greatly decreased.
This suggests that the quantity of potentially dangerous compounds in surgical masks may be related to how they are packaged.
Disposable masks contain high levels of TVOCs
A study conducted by researchers tested 14 disposable and cloth masks, KFAD and KF94, made from thermoplastics polypropylene and polyurethane nylon, in South Korea and the United States. The results showed that the masks contained up to 14 times the TVOCs detected in cotton masks.
The sample with the highest amount of TVOCs had 4,808 cubic meters per microgram, which is about 4.8 parts per million, more than eight times the recommended limit. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping TVOC levels below 0.5 parts per million in indoor air.
The researchers also identified two chemicals linked to liver and reproductive damage: dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and dimethylformamide (DMF). The study acknowledges that the sample size was small and did not test several other popular disposable masks like KN95s.
The researchers also referenced earlier research indicating that mask mandates could cause more harm than good. The study’s findings could have new relevance as COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 is spreading throughout the United States. However, new studies highlighting the dangers of face masks could make mask mandates ineffective.
How to reduce exposure to TVOCS
TVOCs are a large group of odorous chemicals and many of them are released by cleaning and beauty products, burning fuel and cooking.
Sources of TVOCs in the home include:
- Aerosol sprays
- Air fresheners
- Automotive products
- Cleansers and disinfectants
- Moth repellents
Other sources of TVOCs include:
- Building materials and furnishings
- Craft materials, such as glues and adhesives
- Office equipment, such as carbonless copy paper, copiers and printers, permanent markers and correction fluids
The American Lung Association (ALA) warned that TVOCs may irritate the eyes, nose and throat; cause difficulty breathing and nausea; and damage the central nervous system and organs like the liver.
Some TVOCs are also considered human carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer.
To reduce exposure to TVOCs or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you must inspect your home for the common sources of TVOCs and VOCs.
Source control:
- Eliminate the number of products in your home that give off TVOCs.
- Only buy what you need if you are working on something that requires adhesive, caulks, paints and solvents. Unused chemicals stored in the home may “leak” and release VOCs into the air.
- Store unused chemicals in a garage or shed where people rarely visit.
- Dispose of all unused chemicals that are stored in your home or garage. Check with your city or county for the nearest household hazardous waste collection sites.
- Look for low-VOC options if you need paints and furnishing.
Ventilation and temperature control:
- Increase the amount of fresh air in your home to help reduce the concentration of VOCs indoors.
- Increase ventilation naturally by opening doors and windows. Fans can help maximize air brought in from the outside.
- Keep both the temperature and relative humidity as low as possible. Chemicals off-gas more in high temperatures and humidity.
- Schedule home renovations when your home is unoccupied or during seasons that will allow you to open doors and windows to increase ventilation.
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