Does the prolonged use of face-masks by HCWs interfere with the respiratory system by inducing oxidative stress and blood oxygen/carbon dioxide imbalance?, National Health Library and Knowledge Service Evidence Team

The average face mask does not limit the flow of oxygen to the lungs, even in people with severe lung diseases 2 External 0 0 0 28 false https://hselibrary.ie/does-the-prolonged-use-of-face-masks-by-hcws-interfere-with-the-respiratory-system-by-inducing-oxidative-stress-and-blood-oxygen-carbon-dioxide-imbalance/#Scarano true false%>. For healthy, active people, wearing a face mask during vigorous exercise has minimal effect on arterial or muscle oxygen levels and no effects on exercise performance 2 External 0 0 0 31 false https://hselibrary.ie/does-the-prolonged-use-of-face-masks-by-hcws-interfere-with-the-respiratory-system-by-inducing-oxidative-stress-and-blood-oxygen-carbon-dioxide-imbalance/#Vidua true false%>. WHO advises not to wear masks during vigorous intensity physical activity because masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably 2 External 0 0 0 1 false https://hselibrary.ie/does-the-prolonged-use-of-face-masks-by-hcws-interfere-with-the-respiratory-system-by-inducing-oxidative-stress-and-blood-oxygen-carbon-dioxide-imbalance/#WHO true false%>. Face masks, including N95 respirators, surgical masks and cloth face-masks have small effect on the work of breathing, blood gases and other physiological parameters during physical activity, even with heavy/maximal exercise 2 External 0 0 0 13 false https://hselibrary.ie/does-the-prolonged-use-of-face-masks-by-hcws-interfere-with-the-respiratory-system-by-inducing-oxidative-stress-and-blood-oxygen-carbo...
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news