Debunked: Myth About Carbon Dioxide And Masks

It's amazing how many stupid conspiracy theories and myths conservatives who deny science continue to create during this pandemic. The latest is that wearing a mask can make you inhale too much Carbon dioxide. Sigh. If that's the case people in the medical field would be dead and would have been since medicine began using them a couple hundred years ago. Yet, the fools continue to make stuff up. Fortunately, we have educated men and women of Science, like my friend Dr. Marshall Shepherd, who published this article on Forbes.com to Debunk the latest conspiracy theory.
Here's the article ...

This Myth About Carbon Dioxide And Masks Is Similar To A Debunked Claim About Climate Change

Marshall ShepherdSenior Contributor, Forbes Science July 6, 2020

Science

Coronavirus is still with us, and case numbers are spiking in many places. Ironically, many politicians and decision-makers are now promoting advice that medical experts and scientists have long been giving: Wear a face mask. My Forbes colleague Sarah Hansen wrote that a national mask policy could save the U.S. economy $1 trillion. It still baffles me that there has been political maneuvering or angst about doing something very simple to help stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic, but as the young folks say, “It is what it is.”

One of the more ridiculous assertions that I have seen are skeptic claims about the safety of masks because of carbon dioxide that we breathe. It reminds me of inaccurate narratives that I see in climate change denialism. Let’s discuss the misrepresentation of carbon dioxide in both instances.

BERLIN, GERMANY - JUNE 15: Supporters of Extinction Rebellion walk in front of the German ... [+]

 GETTY IMAGES

I will start by debunking the myth about carbon dioxide and wearing face masks. To do this, I will rely on medical and public health experts rather than the Dunning-Kruger effect (thinking I know more about a topic than topical experts) since my expertise lies within the field of atmospheric sciences. The Cleveland Clinic website debunks five myths about COVID-19 and face masks. One of the myths is that “wearing face masks will make you sick.” My first reaction when I hear this is to wonder how all of those doctors, nurses, race car drivers and other professions that routinely wear masks survived all of these years. The website gives a less sarcastic perspective. It says, “While inhaling high levels of carbon dioxide is dangerous, this is very unlikely to happen from wearing a cloth face mask — especially if you’re only wearing it for short periods of time.” The website does provide some precautions for safe use of masks that children or people with breathing problems should be aware of.

Carbon dioxide is formed as a waste byproduct in the body through the process of respiration. It is discarded by exhalation. According to studies, carbon dioxide is pretty harmless at low concentrations. At higher concentrations, however, it can lead to cardiac challenges, increased respiratory rate, or loss of consciousness. At extremely high concentrations, death or coma is possible. Carbon dioxide is all around us. It’s in the air. It’s in carbonate drinks. It’s in fire extinguishers.

UNITED STATES - JUNE 23: Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and ... [+]

 CQ-ROLL CALL, INC VIA GETTY IMAGES

In May USA Today published an excellent fact-checking article debunking the myths that wearing mask will cause hypoxia (insufficient oxygen supply in tissue), hypoxemia (reduced oxygen intake) or hypercapnia (carbon dioxide toxicity). OSF HealthCare pulmonologist Dr. Michael Peil, like the CDC, says that it is unlikely that dangerous levels of carbon dioxide will build up in a mask even over long periods of time. On the OSF Healthcare website, he says, “The carbon dioxide is going to pass right through the face mask, we are going to inhale fresh air through that, so there really is no opportunity for carbon dioxide to build up unnaturally.” Dr. Peil also said that carbon dioxide does not cling to the masks so that it is re-inhaled. He said, “And even if it did, it would be a very small amount. But the fact is, it just doesn’t happen that way.”

People create their own narratives when they are scared, lack information, or have preconceptions. The masks are restrictive and seem to impede airflow, which probably leads to some of the odd theories getting around in your Facebook feed. Another example of false narratives is related to climate change, carbon dioxide and breathing. It is clear that excessive carbon dioxide related to human activities is causing our climate system to warm at a rate beyond the naturally-varying cycle. And as a reminder, scientists are aware that climate changes naturally too.

The Carbon Cycle (simplified)

 NASA

One of the most absurd claims about climate change (and there are many) is that we are contributing to warming by breathing. According to an article written by Brian Palmer in Slate, “the human race breathes out about 8.5 percent as much carbon as we burn....(and) this figure is meaningless, since human respiration is part of a ‘closed loop cycle’ in which our carbon dioxide output is matched by the carbon dioxide taken in by the wheat, corn, celery, and Ugli fruit that we eat.” Palmer goes on to make the point that our body is actually a net carbon sequestration device (a sink) rather than a source. Narasimhan Santhanam wrote an outstanding “101” on this topic at Cleantech.Guide. The bottom line written in that piece was, “The carbon in the CO2 we breathe out is nothing more than the carbon captured by plants when they took in CO2 during their growth.” There is nothing extra.

Science is hard. People often make it easy for their own consumption or agendas. Unfortunately, what often seems to be a simplistic interpretation can often be quite wrong. Luckily there are several great sources of science information available so you don’t have to rely on your uncle’s theory posted on Facebook.

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Marshall Shepherd

18 Beliefs People Once Had About Coronavirus That Aren't True

There are so many ridiculous things that have been posted on-line about COVID19, that it's important
to let you know what ISN'T TRUE. Fortunately, one reporter put them all together, so this should serve as a good resource if you have questions.  Just a couple of recommendations from me; Wear a Mask ALWAYS until this virus has a vaccine, and don't drink bleach, no matter who tells you to!
 Here's the list of the 18 Untruths About COVID19 Beliefs

18 Beliefs People Once Had About Coronavirus That Aren't True
Don't buy into these COVID-19 myths about face masks, immunity, hot weather and bleach.
By Kate Bratskeir
06/19/2020 12:13pm EDT | 

In a time when so much is still unknown about the coronavirus, we are understandably eager for information.

Unfortunately, the desire for immediate answers has led to the spread of false remedies and conspiracy theories. Additionally, because COVID-19 is so new, health experts are changing their guidance as they learn more about the virus. What was true at the beginning of the pandemic may not be recommended now.

It’s critical we stick with facts and health guidance; doing so can slow the spread of the virus and keep more people safe. While most of the country is beginning to reopen, the pandemic is anything but over. Below, find some common myths and some now-outdated recommendations about the coronavirus. (And keep washing your hands.)

The myth: Summer weather will kill off the virus
At the start of the pandemic, some experts speculated that the virus could be seasonal and may possibly go dormant in the summer.

However, “it is not yet known whether weather and temperature affect the spread of COVID-19,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Some other viruses, like those that cause the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.”

The myth: You’re in the clear if you’ve already had COVID-19
We don’t know if having the virus once provides a person with immunity against getting it again, so it’s important to use the same caution as everyone else.

“We’re still waiting for some of the studies to come out that really tell us for sure that when you’ve had the virus and mounted an antibody to it, that you are protected,” Roger Shapiro, associate professor of immunology and infectious diseases at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said during a May news conference.

“And we can only do that when we get the data from actual studies that show that,” Shapiro continued. “And so that hesitation people have had or the qualification people have made has been we don’t know yet whether having the virus will protect us and for how long. And the general feeling is that there’s a lot of optimism that it will be the case.”

The myth: Face masks are useless
There was a lot of guidance surrounding the use of masks when the pandemic first hit North America ― particularly that it was unnecessary to wear one unless you were already sick. But now health experts say face coverings provide veritable protection. Both those infected by the virus and those who are virus-free should wear masks when in public spaces in order to keep everyone safe.

The myth: Face masks are a surefire way to prevent contracting the virus
Masks can slow the spread of the virus ― and more reports are showing how effective they can be for personal protection ― but they can’t thwart it entirely.

In other words, don’t expect to only wear a mask and be fine. Other health measures, like frequent hand washing, social distancing and avoiding touching your face can also help reduce the spread.

The myth: The virus is lab-made
One of the biggest conspiracies floating around the internet is that the coronavirus was created in a lab rather than evolving in the natural world. New research has debunked this myth: The virus is the result of evolution, not lab engineering. Despite internet rumors, there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case.

The myth: Packages are spreading the virus
As the CDC explains: “In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.”

The risk of transmission from packages, grocery bags, deliveries and other surfaces is even relatively low, despite concerns that were raised at the beginning of the pandemic. Check out the CDC guidelines for running essential errands — like grocery shopping, banking and getting gas — safely.

The myth: Ingesting bleach kills virus pathogens

No, no, absolutely not, please no.

This myth was borne from comments made by President Donald Trump during a news briefing early in the pandemic. This is not true by any means; introducing bleach or other disinfectants to the body by any means — whether by drinking, injecting or spraying — is incredibly dangerous. Do not do this.

The myth: Children are fine or they cannot contract the virus
As the World Health Organization points out, older people and those with preexisting medical conditions appear to be at higher risk for becoming very sick from the virus. But people of all ages can be infected. That includes children. In fact, recently there have been cases reported of multisystem inflammatory syndrome occurring in kids who also had COVID-19. “Different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs,” according to the CDC.

The myth: Our pets are spreading the virus
A small number of pets have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, but the risk of animals spreading the virus to humans is considered low, according to the CDC. If someone in your house is sick with the virus, they should isolate from the rest of the household, including animals, according to guidelines.

The myth: Ibuprofen can worsen symptoms
In March, Tylenol suddenly became the reigning pain reliever as word spread that ibuprofen (the name for over-the-counter pain meds like Advil) could increase painful symptoms of COVID-19. There’s no medical evidence that suggests ibuprofen is unsafe for treating coronavirus symptoms. (In fact, some scientists are even testing it as one form of treatment in certain cases.) Even so, it’s best to check with a medical professional before you take anything.

The myth: If you don’t have any symptoms, you’re coronavirus-free
Common symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu, but they also extend beyond that. These include fever or chills, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

A person who doesn’t exhibit any of these symptoms can still be infected with the coronavirus and can spread the virus to others. Some cases of COVID-19 are asymptomatic, meaning the patient doesn’t show symptoms or has yet to develop any. Other times, people may be presymptomatic, when they’re not showing any signs of the virus but they have the infection in their system. These people can still spread the virus.

The myth: Drinking alcohol can protect you from the virus
If only. You might have heard that alcohol kills germs, but that’s not what happens after drinking a bunch of wine. There’s no evidence this is true. And, as the WHO stresses, “the harmful use of alcohol increases your risk of health problems.”

The myth: Thermal scanners can detect the virus
Thermal scanners can detect fever. Fever is one symptom of the coronavirus, but many people infected with the virus do not have fevers. Fevers can also be associated with conditions unrelated to the coronavirus.

The myth: Antibiotics can prevent and kill the virus
While antibiotics are successful at treating some health issues, coronavirus is not one of them. Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses. (Still, some physicians have prescribed or used antibiotics against COVID-19.)

The myth: 5G networks can spread the virus
This myth became widespread in part because of celebrities like Woody Harrelson and Keri Hilson sharing it on social media. Ever since 5G cellular networks have been proposed, conspiracy theorists have speculated about the effects on human health. The conspiracy has since evolved.

“Some suggest that 5G networks cause radiation, which, in turn, triggers the virus,” Recode reported. “Others float that reports of the novel coronavirus were actually a cover-up for the installation of 5G towers. A few accounts push the idea that 5G and Covid-19 are part of a broader effort to ′depopulate’ Earth.” None of this is true. Viruses can’t travel on radio waves or mobile networks.

The myth: If you can hold your breath for a prolonged period you are virus-free
In March, a Facebook post claimed that if you could hold your breath for more than 10 seconds without coughing or discomfort, you couldn’t have the virus. The self-check guidance went viral, leading many people to try the experiment themselves. But the test is futile. You can’t confirm the coronavirus with a breathing test. The best way to check for the virus is to get tested through a medical lab.

The myth: Taking a hot bath can kill the virus
It cannot. The CDC states that hot water (and extremely hot or cold temperatures in general) cannot kill the coronavirus.

The myth: Hand dryers can kill the virus
Hand dryers cannot kill the virus. There is promising news about some UV light, however. In May, New York’s Metropolitan Transit Agency tested the use of ultraviolet disinfecting technology on subways, and has since decided to expand the program .