A paper that came out in January, “Need for assessing the inhalation of micro(nano)plastic debris shed from masks, respirators, and home-made face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic”, looks at the evidence for and hazards of micro-plastic/micro-fiber inhalation as a consequence of wearing various medical masks. Microscopic images taken of the surface of the most popular types of masks found these micro-particles throughout, allowing for easy inhalation.
A 2012 University of Edinburgh study found that these nanofibers can reach deep within the lung cavity, mimicking exposure to asbestos, and lead to the cancer known as mesothelioma.
So not only are masks useless at preventing COVID-19 spread, there appears to be a clear and present danger to the long-term health of the wearer. Over the past year, we’ve abruptly embarked on a campaign of mass, prolonged mask-wearing, with little thought given to the health hazards of doing so. Masks have been mandated in schools, even elementary schools, and children are forced to wear them 8 hours a day. What will be the outcome for these kids if forced mask-wearing continues? Are we condemning them to chronic health conditions, including cancer, in later years?
H/t to The Highwire for both stories.
