Fact Check: Long-term use of face masks cause oxygen deficiency?

Face masks cause oxygen deficiency? As the second wave of coronavirus has raged across India, there has been a tremendous amount of misinformation and fake news circulating on the internet.

One such message is making rounds on social media that claims that the long-term or prolonged use of face masks can cause intoxication of carbon dioxide and cause oxygen deficiency in the body.

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As per the viral claim, oxygen deficiency is caused due to breathing of exhaled air over and over again. Hence, the viral post led to a lot of confusion and panic among people.

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However, it was found that the viral post was absolutely fake. Using face masks for even a longer period, does not lead to deficiency of oxygen in the body and there has been no evidence that a mask reduces oxygen levels in a person’s body.

On misleading information, PIB took to Twitter and wrote, ”It is being claimed in a message that prolonged usage of masks leads to intoxication of CO2 & oxygen deficiency in the body. #PIBFactCheck: This claim is #FAKE. Stop the spread of Coronavirus by wearing mask properly, maintaining social distance and washing hands regularly.”

According to the health care officials, the wearing of a face mask was one way to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

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-PTC News