Well-Designed Studies are Needed to Assess Adverse Effects on Healthy Lung Function after Long-Term Face Masks Usage

Abstract

Face coverings, especially cloth masks, were the critical personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The advantages of such masks were well understood and widely used across the world. With this idea in mind, we have reviewed the available data and literature to identify whether masks exert an untoward effect on lung function in otherwise healthy persons. Interestingly enough, we have found no well-designed studies to assess whether masks have an unintended negative consequence on healthy lung function. Moreover, we are also aware that there could exist a differential impact of facial coverings depending on the type of masks exposed to. In addition, there could also be some ethical challenges in order to implement these cohort studies. We are recommending the need for thorough evaluations of long term mask utilization.

Keywords

• design of experiments
• longitudinal study
• clinical impact of face masks