copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: There were 84 children adopted in Northern Ireland in 2018. (EJ Havlin from Adoption UK, 2019-02-12)
Evidence (2015-09-30): (E)(i) a child adopted while under the age of sixteen years if the child has been in the legal custody of, and has resided with, the adopting parent or parents for at least two years or if the child has been battered or subject to extreme cruelty by the adopting parent or by a family member of the adopting parent residing in the same household: Provided, That no natural parent of any such adopted child shall thereafter, by virtue of such parentage, be accorded any right, privilege, or status under this chapter; or (ii) subject to the same proviso as in clause (i), a child who: (I) is a natural sibling of a child described in clause (i) or subparagraph (F)(i); (II) was adopted by the adoptive parent or parents of the sibling described in such clause or subparagraph; and (III) is otherwise described in clause (i), except that the child was adopted while under the age of 18 years;
Claim: There were 84 children adopted in Northern Ireland in 2018. (EJ Havlin from Adoption UK, 2019-02-12)
Evidence (2021-02-09): [25] Adoption of Children from Overseas Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002, NISR 2002/144, https://perma.cc/6FXQ-7HGZ. [26] Adoption of Children from Overseas and Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006, NISR 2006/336, https://perma.cc/4NMW-HHLY. [...] [76] Child Adoption, gov.uk, https://perma.cc/YD6A-DVDV.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2020-10-16): This claim is not accurate. Face masks have no impact on oxygen levels.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2023-04-28): Numerous studies showed that wearing masks during physical exercise causes non-health relevant decreases in blood oxygen as well as slight increases in blood carbon dioxide2,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. However, the majority of these studies focused on relevant clinical parameters, sporting leisure activities and investigated short-term loads of up to 300 watts and more on a bicycle ergometer which does not represent typical conditions in everyday life or at workplaces11,12,13,14,15. Some authors also reported physiological effects after continuous or moderate loads10,15,16,17,18,19. In most studies, during cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), the face mask was worn underneath the silicone mask required for CPET, which has been discussed as influencing factor4,5,6,7,13. Additionally, measurements were predominantly performed on young, well-trained people10,14,20,21,22 and none of the preceding studies was blinded with respect to the type of mask to be worn by the subjects or focused on breathing physiology or breathing mechanics.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2023-05-19): People do report feelings of discomfort, such shortness of breath, when they engage in physical activity while using face masks. But unlike long COVID symptoms, these feelings dissipate when they take off the masks. When researchers have measured physiological changes related to wearing masks, such as the concentration of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the blood, the effects have been minimal. [...] Nor is it the first time the authors of the review have claimed face masks could have harmful effects. Several of the authors speculated in a review published in March that masks might have caused stillbirths and other health issues. But this was an extrapolation based on studies exposing animals to carbon dioxide — and ignored the fact that masks don’t increase levels of the gas in humans in any clinically meaningful way. The Daily Mail nevertheless covered the paper in a story with an alarming headline, screenshots of which have been widely shared on social media. [...] Gideon M.-K; Health Nerd. "Face Masks Are Safe To Wear." Medium. 17 Apr 2023.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2022-10-20): Effects of face masks on oxygen saturation at graded exercise intensities - PMID: 36259531 - DOI: 10.1515/jom-2022-0132 Effects of face masks on oxygen saturation at graded exercise intensities [...] Evaluation of the effects on SpO2 of N95 mask (FFP2) on dental health care providers: a cross-sectional observational study.BMC Health Serv Res. 2022 Feb 24;22(1):248. doi: 10.1186/s12913-022-07648-5. BMC Health Serv Res. 2022. PMID: 35209892 Free PMC article.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2021-10-01): Deliberate misinformation often uses common knowledge to tell an allegedly fact-based story. Some social media accounts connected heavier breathing while wearing FFR with the false claim to reduce blood oxygen saturation. Indeed, respiration behavior (amongst others, frequency and intensity, see37 for a review) changes while wearing an FFR (especially during exercise), and the physical dead volume of the respiratory system causes breathing to be more strenuous38. However, there is no evidence that wearing face masks (cloth/surgical masks or FFR) causes the blood oxygen levels to diminish22,23,24,26,27,29. Nevertheless, the literature lacks investigations tailored to quantify the impact of face masks, especially high filtering N95 FFR, on cognitive performance. We contribute to this research to refute misinformation and face worries regarding a connection between cognitive functioning and wearing N95 FFR.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2021-02-24): The effects of wearing facemasks on oxygenation and ventilation at rest and during physical activity - PMID: 33626065 - PMCID: PMC7904135 - DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247414 The effects of wearing facemasks on oxygenation and ventilation at rest and during physical activity [...] Capillary carbon dioxide tension increases in hospital staff wearing filtering facepiece masks: a prospective crossover study.ERJ Open Res. 2023 Jul 3;9(4):00186-2023. doi: 10.1183/23120541.00186-2023. eCollection 2023 Jul. ERJ Open Res. 2023. PMID: 37404843 Free PMC article.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2020-08-04): Do masks cause lower oxygen levels? [...] This presents a major problem for two reasons: masks definitively don’t harm oxygen levels and, right now, they’re our best weapon against the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, the flurry of complaints has also given rise to a number of highly effective demonstrations in which medical professionals display their excellent oxygen levels while trying on different masks—and sometimes multiple masks at once. Believe these demonstrations, because they’re true. Many professions require the regular use of masks, and the people who wear them don’t suffer as a result.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2021-11-01): Face masks are a first-line defence against the COVID-19 pandemic.1 Concerns about face masks reducing oxygen saturation (SpO2) have been negated by controlled studies in healthy individuals.2 3 Universal masking must be followed without exceptions. However, persons with pre-existing cardiorespiratory diseases like interstitial lung diseases (ILD) have limited functional reserves. We explored the effects of face masks in patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated ILD (CTD-ILD). Patients between 18 and 75 years of age with high-resolution CT (HRCT)-proven CTD-ILD and with Medical Research Council scale grades 1–3 dyspnoea and forced vital capacity (FVC) of less than 70% were included in this crossover trial. If FVC was >70%, patients were included only if the extent of involvement on HRCT was more than 20% of the lung. Patients requiring oxygen supplementation and with myositis or lower limb pain were excluded. Initial SpO2 was recorded and a standard 6 min walk test (6MWT) was carried out with and then without a standard three-layer surgical face mask. Adequate precautions were taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the tests. Distance covered during the 6MWT was the primary outcome measure. The secondary outcome measures …
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2022-09-01): Real-time breathomics has revealed a deeper insight into the physiometabolic side-effects of face mask wearing. Based on more recent pilot observations of cardiopulmonary parameters during exercise and rest in 12 healthy adults [11], researchers have generally recommended the continuous mask use. Within our setup, we have investigated the respiratory, haemodynamic and downstream metabolic changes in young to middle-aged and older adults for a longer period of time. Although we observed significant side-effects and good compensation/adaptation trends in healthy adults aged <60 years, those side-effects emerged profoundly towards substantial risk in subjects aged ≥60 years within 15 min. Mask-induced profound arterial oxygen decline, hypercarbia, deteriorating ventilation, compartmental vasoconstrictions and blood pressure alterations in older adults turned out to be concerning upon the general health/clinical status under prolonged use of FFP2 face masks at rest. According to the recent observations from a randomised controlled trial, COPD patients (outpatient-diagnosed and nonsevere/moderate) wearing surgical masks during a 6-min walk test tend to develop dyspnoea (without having any decrease in 6-min walk distance or O2 saturation) compared to those without masks [84]. Thus, Hirai et al. [84] have recommended surgical mask as safe for COPD patients.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2020-07-16): Mask Myths: Does a Mask Limit My Oxygen Intake? [...] Additionally, people of advanced age or weight do lose lung function and may find it more difficult to breathe with a mask on, but for most, it will not impair oxygenation (oxygen getting into the blood) or ventilation (blowing of carbon dioxide). Health care professionals have worn masks for decades, often uninterrupted for hours, in operating rooms without adverse effects. If you are unsure about your oxygen capacity speak to your health care provider. Should I wear a mask while exercising indoors/outdoors?
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2020-10-02): Contrary to viral claims, wearing surgical masks or cloth face coverings does not restrict the amount of oxygen a person breathes in, nor does it cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide, according to a study published Friday in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society. [...] Campos and colleagues tested the effects of wearing a typical surgical mask on the body's ability to take in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. [...] All participants wore masks for about 30 minutes and then walked for 6 minutes, still wearing the face coverings. Using standard blood tests, researchers found no differences in levels of oxygen or carbon dioxide circulating in any of the participants' systems.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2020-05-30): Another viral meme featuring three people wearing masks while walking on a beach says face mask wearing "reduces oxygen up to 60%" and "increases risk of CO2 poisoning." [...] One Facebook post claimed "wearing a mask for an 8 hour shift can reduce your oxygen intake level to a 93 if you have healthy lungs ... it is not healthy to have your oxygen level at that." The post did not specify which type of mask it was referencing. [...] There is no evidence to support that the general public — which doesn't typically wear masks for prolonged periods of time — will experience significant reductions in oxygen intake level, resulting in hypoxemia. While CO2 can build up in face masks, it is unlikely that wearing a mask will cause hypercapnia, according to the CDC
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2022-02-27): This claim is not accurate. Face masks have no impact on oxygen levels. [...] The claim that face masks reduce oxygen has been circulating around the world since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. [...] In summary, there is no evidence that wearing a face mask reduces oxygen, or that a hairdresser in Ireland was hospitalised for this reason.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2024-03-08): If available and used correctly, a respirator can selectively reduce the exposure you might otherwise receive. Respirators have been used for many years in the workplace, where employers have programs to make sure the proper masks are selected and that the respirator fits. When consumers use respirators, they don’t have such support, so this fact sheet includes lots of background information to help consumers understand the limitations and cautions that need to be considered. The goal is to avoid unintended problems that might occur through lack of understanding or a false sense of security. [...] The cautions, limitations and restriction of use provided with the respirator must be strictly followed. If your mask does not make a tight seal all the way around your face when you inhale, you may breathe contaminated air that leaks around the edges of the face seal. Anything that prevents the face mask from fitting tightly against your face, such as a beard or long sideburns, may cause leakage. Some respirators come in different styles and sizes, and fit different people differently because people’s faces have different shapes. You also need training to know how to correctly put the mask on and wear it correctly. This information should be provided by the supplier of the respirator. [...] Gas Masks do not provide oxygen. If used in an environment with low oxygen levels, such as a fire, you are in danger of suffocation.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2020-08-13): There have been concerns that face masks can reduce oxygen intake, and can lead to low blood oxygen levels, known as hypoxemia. However, masks are made from breathable materials that will not block the oxygen your child needs. Masks have not been shown to affect a child's ability to focus or learn in school. The vast majority of children age 2 or older can safely wear face masks for extended periods of time, such as during preschool or at child care. This includes most children with special health care needs. [...] No, wearing a face mask will not affect your child 's lungs from developing normally. This is because oxygen flows through and around the mask, while blocking the spray of spit and respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. Keeping your child's lungs healthy is important, which includes preventing infections like COVID-19. [...] No. There have been false reports that face masks can lead to carbon dioxide poisoning (known as hypercapnia) from re-breathing the air we normally breathe out. But this is not true. Carbon dioxide molecules are very tiny, even smaller than respiratory droplets. They cannot be trapped by breathable materials like disposable masks. In fact, surgeons wear tight fitting masks all day as part of their jobs, without any harm.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2020-06-18): "Mask wearing allows us to open the economy up faster. Not wearing a mask around others only worsens the pandemic, leads to more disease, and worsens the economic effects." Do Masks Cause Low Oxygen Levels? Absolutely not. We wear masks all day long in the hospital. The masks are designed to be breathed through and there is no evidence that low oxygen levels occur. There is some evidence, however, that prolonged use of N-95 masks in patients with preexisting lung disease could cause some build-up of carbon dioxide levels in the body. People with preexisting lung problems should discuss mask wearing concerns with their health care providers. There is absolutely no scientific evidence that mask wearing or physical distancing weakens the immune system.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2022-05-11): WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF OXYGEN? Too much or too little oxygen can be harmful. If the cells in the body get too little oxygen, energy production decreases. With too little energy, cells may not work well and may die. Your baby may not grow properly. Many of the developing organs, including the brain and heart, may be injured. Too much oxygen can also cause injury. Breathing too much oxygen can damage the lung. For babies who are born very prematurely, too much oxygen in the blood may also lead to problems in the brain and eye. Babies with certain heart conditions may also need lower levels of oxygen in the blood.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2002-07-26): Mountain climbers are at risk of developing altitude sickness (also known as mountain sickness), which may be harmful or even fatal if its onset is ignored. It is caused by gaining altitude too rapidly, which doesn't allow the body enough time to adjust to reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure, and causes hypobaric hypoxia (a lack of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body). [...] This form of therapy floods the body with oxygen and relieves the symptoms of altitude sickness. A portable oxygen cylinder enables oxygen to be administered via a facemask or hood. [...] - Schommer K, Bärtsch P, 2011, ‘Basic medical advice for travellers to high altitudes’, Deutsches Ärzteblatt International vol. 108, no. 49, pp. 839–848. More information here.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2024-01-01): People who must be outdoors for long periods of time, in areas with heavy smoke, or where ash is disturbed, may want to wear a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator mask. Those with existing respiratory, lung or heart conditions should limit their exposure by staying indoors. Since wearing a respirator can make it harder to breathe, those with lung or heart conditions should check with their doctor before using one. If you purchase N95 masks, make sure they are NIOSH-approved. Choose a size and model that fits your face and has no gaps. Test it by doing a seal check. [...] - Wear an N95 mask in your vehicle and at shelters.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2020-07-24): Research has found that wearing a mask (with at least two layers of fabric) is one of the most effective methods Americans can take to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Yet health myths about masks flood social media — people worry that wearing masks will lower oxygen levels or cause carbon dioxide poisoning. Others fear they’ll develop bacterial infections from moist, sweaty masks or weaken their immune system’s ability to fight off colds. Health care professionals have attempted to clarify these misconceptions on social media. A doctor in South Carolina challenged the idea that "oxygen levels drop dramatically while wearing a mask." Dr. Megan Hall tested her oxygen saturation and heart rate using a pulse oximeter in four situations for five minutes at a time: one without a mask, one with a surgical mask, one with a N95 mask and one with a N95 and surgical mask. [...] The American Lung Association recently released a statement addressing the idea that masks make it difficult to breath: "The masks are designed to be breathed through and there is no evidence that low oxygen levels occur."
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2023-04-26): This type of hypoxemia typically occurs at higher altitudes. Oxygen in the air decreases with increasing altitude. Therefore, at higher altitudes, each breath you take provides you with lower oxygen levels than when you’re at sea level. [...] The organs and tissues of your body require oxygen in order to function properly. Damage can occur to vital organs like your heart and brain in the absence of enough oxygen. Hypoxemia can be fatal if it goes untreated.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2020-04-14): MYTH: Face masks can reduce oxygen getting to the lungs and bloodstream [...] Some masks mean you have to put more effort into breathing if you wear them for a long time. The N95 mask forms a seal and filters 95 percent of particles. If worn for many hours without a break, an N95 mask might potentially affect oxygen levels but likely not to a dangerous extent, especially in people who are healthy. Looser surgical masks and cloth masks do not lower oxygen levels. It’s important to wear the right mask for the right situation. [...] Remember, if you are healthy and breathing normally, a mask will not lower your blood oxygen levels.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2023-10-31): Wearing a mask has general benefits. The main benefit of mask-wearing is that it may keep you from inhaling any respiratory hazards, such as particles of dust or smoke and germs. Additionally, wearing a mask can protect others and reduce the spread of infections if you have an illness. 1. Protects You From Poor Air Quality Wearing a mask can protect your respiratory system and general health when there is bad air quality because of pollutants. Categories of bad air quality range from moderate to hazardous on the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI measures levels of the following pollutants with Clean Air Act regulations: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide: gases from motor vehicles and industrial processes Ground-level ozone: gas from the atmosphere referred to as smog when it reaches the ground Particle pollution: particles made of sulfate, nitrate, carbon, and mineral dust chemicals 2. Reduces Exposure to Allergens Especially if you have pollen allergies, wearing a mask could decrease allergen exposure. A mask that covers your mask and nose can help filter out pollen or irritants. Masks also change the moisture and temperature level of the air you breathe in, further reducing allergy symptoms. 3.
Claim: Wearing face masks can cause harmful levels of reduced oxygen. (Viral social media post, 2020-10-16)
Evidence (2021-10-14): Myth: The use of surgical or non-medical masks is dangerous to health because the masks trap exhaled carbon dioxide and reduces oxygen. Facts: As noted, these masks are not designed to cause a tight seal. And the science shows that wearing a mask does not affect our lung function or oxygen levels, or cause a buildup of carbon dioxide. There is also the obvious fact that physicians and other healthcare staff routinely wear masks for extended periods, with no ill effects. Concerns have also been raised about how children may be affected by wearing masks, but studies have found no respiratory impact on children from wearing masks, though mask use may not be recommended for children with certain conditions.