We’re answering your questions about the pandemic. Send yours to COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday online, and also put some questions to the experts during The National and on CBC News Network.
We’re breaking down what you need to know about the pandemic. Send us your questions via email at COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday on our website, and we’re also putting some of your questions to the experts on the air during The National and on CBC News Network. So far we’ve received more than 48,000 emails from all corners of the country.
Do masks reduce your oxygen levels?
From big cities to small towns — and the entire province of Quebec — more and more places in Canada are making masks mandatory in indoor public spaces to help curb the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
The new rules have sparked some challenges, including from anti-mask groups and people spreading misinformation about mask-wearing. That’s confused some Canadians who are left wondering if there’s any truth behind some of the claims. Sharon P., for example, is concerned a mask might reduce one’s oxygen levels.
The experts we spoke to said there’s no truth to that claim.
“I haven’t seen any medical or scientific evidence that shows that wearing a mask depletes your body of oxygen,” said Dr. Susy Hota, medical director of infection prevention and control at Toronto’s University Health Network.
Nor do they let any harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide, build up, she said.
So, you may feel hot or become more aware of your breathing, but “it’s not dangerous,” she said.
Dr. Jennifer Kwan, a family physician in Burlington, Ont., agreed.
Oxygen and carbon dioxide still get through your mask, but it catches the droplets that contain the virus, “which is what helps reduce transmission,” she said.
“As a medical professional, we wear masks in our day-to-day practice and it has not caused doctors or nurses or surgeons any harm.”
The real risk, said Kwan, is wearing your mask incorrectly, including sharing it with others, reusing non-reusable masks, or not cleaning