Face Masks Won't Shut Down Immune System
The Claim
Wearing masks for the coronavirus “decreases oxygen intake, increases toxin inhalation, and shuts down the immune system."
News posted on
Emerging story
Viral posts on social media shared thousands of times claim that masks have harmful effects. These include shutting down the immune system, decreasing oxygen intake, increasing toxin inhalation, and increasing virus risk.
This isn't science. Masks not only don't work. They suppress your immune system. Especially with upper respiratory infections, your first line of defense are the CD4 T-Cells & Interferon-A made in your mucosal membranes. In a normal immune system they shut down viral replication. https://t.co/zhfVYA7Vih
— 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝗣𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 (@Pickering) May 27, 2020
@10DowningStreet: knowing the facts before you wear one
— ЯамКарліто (@iamcarlito359i) June 20, 2020
1-decreases oxygen intake.
2-increases toxins inhalation.
3-shuts down immune system.
4-increase virus risk.
5-scientifically inaccurate.
in light of the foregoing,do you still want us to wear masks or do you wear one?
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar did not find any research that supports that circulating claims that wearing a mask will weaken the immune system, decrease oxygen intake, increase toxin inhalation, or even increase virus risk.
According to the Mayo Clinic, along with other preventive measures such as frequent hand washing and social distancing, facemasks help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
A literature review by National Center for Biotechnology stated that the use of facemasks has proven to be an effective barrier to curb the aerosol spread of such diseases; however, its use in the local community is uncommon, resulting in doubts being cast on its effectiveness in preventing airborne infections during epidemics.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that some individuals should not wear masks. This includes children under 2, people who have health problems that cause breathing difficulties, and people who cannot remove masks on their own.
The information mentioned in the claims is not supported by any scientific evidence.
