copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2021-05-29): The COVID-19 pandemic and N95 masks: reusability and decontamination methods - PMID: 34051855 - PMCID: PMC8164050 - DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00921-y [...] Decontamination of N95 masks for re-use employing 7 widely available sterilization methods.PLoS One. 2020 Dec 16;15(12):e0243965. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243965. eCollection 2020. PLoS One. 2020. PMID: 33326504 Free PMC article. Decontaminating N95/FFP2 masks for reuse during the COVID-19 epidemic: a systematic review.Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2021 Oct 11;10(1):144. doi: 10.1186/s13756-021-00993-w. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2021. PMID: 34635165 Free PMC article.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2023-02-22): Purpose: To update an evidence synthesis on N95, surgical, and cloth mask effectiveness in community and health care settings for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. [...] Data synthesis: Three randomized trials and 21 observational studies were included. In community settings, mask use may be associated with a small reduced risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection versus no mask use, on the basis of 2 randomized trials and 7 observational studies. In routine patient care settings, surgical masks and N95 respirators may be associated with similar risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, on the basis of 1 new randomized trial with some imprecision and 4 observational studies. Evidence from observational studies was insufficient to evaluate other mask comparisons due to methodological limitations and inconsistency. [...] Conclusion: Updated evidence suggests that masks may be associated with a small reduction in risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection in community settings. Surgical masks and N95 respirators may be associated with similar infection risk in routine patient care settings, but a beneficial effect of N95 respirators cannot be ruled out.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2021-03-02): - The findings may help explain why wearing masks has been linked to lower disease severity in people with COVID-19. [...] Drs. Joseph Courtney and Adriaan Bax of NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) carried out a study to compare how different face masks affected the humidity of inhaled air. Results were published on February 12, 2021, in the Biophysical Journal. The scientists tested four common types of masks: an N95 mask, a three-ply disposable surgical mask, a two-ply cotton-polyester mask, and a heavy cotton mask. A volunteer wore each mask for at least 10 minutes before any measurements were taken. The researchers then measured the level of humidity when breathing into a sealed steel box. The volunteer’s face was fitted tightly against the box using high-density foam rubber. Humidity measurements were taken at three different air temperatures, ranging from about 46 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2021-10-19): On the Flip Side of Mask Wearing: Increased Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and a Risk-Reducing Solution - PMID: 34596392 - DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04591 On the Flip Side of Mask Wearing: Increased Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and a Risk-Reducing Solution Surgical masks have been worn by the public worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet hazardous chemicals in the petroleum-derived polymer layer of masks are currently ignored and unregulated. These organic compounds pose potential health risks to the mask wearer through dermal contact or inhalation. Here, we show that surgical masks from around the world are loaded with semivolatile and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalate esters, and reactive carbonyls at ng to μg/mask levels. Naphthalene was the most abundant mask-borne PAH, accounting for over 80% of total PAH levels; acrolein, a mutagenic carbonyl, was detected in most of the mask samples, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, an androgen antagonist, was detected in one-third of the samples. Furthermore, there is large mask-to-mask variability of the residue VOCs, revealing the uneven quality of masks. We confirm that masks containing more residue VOCs lead to significantly higher exposure levels and associated disease risks to the wearer, which should warrant the attention of the general public and regulatory agencies.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2020-04-15): NIH study validates decontamination methods for re-use of N95 respirators [...] N95 respirators can be decontaminated effectively and maintain functional integrity for up to three uses, according to National Institutes of Health scientists. N95 respirators are designed for single-use and are worn by healthcare providers to reduce exposure to airborne infectious agents, including the virus that causes COVID-19. The study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, and the results were posted on a preprint server on today. The findings are not yet peer-reviewed but are being shared to assist the public health response to COVID-19. The study investigators are with NIH’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) in Hamilton, Montana, part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). With collaborators from the University of California, Los Angeles, they tested the decontamination of small sections of N95 filter fabric that had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Decontamination methods tested included vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), 70-degree Celsius dry heat, ultraviolet light, and 70% ethanol spray.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2022-06-07): Among 534 participants who specified the type of face covering they typically used, wearing N95/KN95 respirators (aOR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.05–0.64) or surgical masks (aOR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.13–0.90) was associated with significantly lower adjusted odds of a positive test result compared with not wearing any face mask or respirator. These findings reinforce that in addition to being up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, consistently wearing a face mask or respirator in indoor public settings reduces the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using a respirator offers the highest level of personal protection against acquiring infection, although it is most important to wear a mask or respirator that is comfortable and can be used consistently.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2022-06-24): Medical Masks Versus N95 Respirators for Preventing COVID-19 Among Health Care Workers : A Randomized Trial - PMID: 36442064 - PMCID: PMC9707441 - DOI: 10.7326/M22-1966 [...] Medical Masks Versus N95 Respirators for Preventing COVID-19 Among Health Care Workers.Ann Intern Med. 2023 Jul;176(7):eL230074. doi: 10.7326/L23-0074. Ann Intern Med. 2023. PMID: 37459624 No abstract available. [...] Masks or N95 Respirators During COVID-19 Pandemic-Which One Should I Wear?J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Dec;78(12):2114-2127. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2020.08.024. Epub 2020 Aug 27. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020. PMID: 32926868 Free PMC article. Review.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2023-08-30): Factually inaccurate: The study specifically measured the levels of hazardous volatile organic compounds released from KF94 masks and found that these were about 100 to 1,000 times lower than the recommended exposure limit set by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This conflicts with the Mail’s claim that the masks "may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer". The study also wasn’t published by the NIH, but by a scientific journal unaffiliated with the NIH. August 2023 saw a revival of discussions over a possible return to mask mandates, amid concerns over rising COVID-19 cases. In the wake of this news, a Daily Mail article published on 27 August 2023 claimed that a "mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer". [...] Overall, the Mail article’s representation of the Korean study, used to support its case that masks "may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds", is inaccurate and misleading, as it failed to tell readers key findings from the study showing that hazardous VOCs released from the masks were approximately 100 to 1,000 times lower than the recommended exposure limit. Health Feedback explained in several previous reviews how scientific evidence shows wearing a face mask reduces the spread of COVID-19.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2023-08-27): Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer - A study published in April found disposable masks can have toxic chemicals - Experts said this could make newly instated mask mandates ineffective - READ MORE: Mask mania sweeps America...AGAIN [...] But a study quietly re-shared by the National Institutes of Health in spring suggests the tight-fitting mask may expose users to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals. [...] A study published in April found that several disposable masks contain more than eight times the US recommended limit of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs)
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2020-08-13): COVID-19 Community Level is high. Masks can be safely worn by all children older than 2 years. Individuals may choose to continue wearing face masks when they go out so they can protect themselves or their family members. [...] Children under 2 years of age should not wear masks since they may not be able to remove them without help. Children with severe breathing problems or cognitive impairments may also have a hard time tolerating a face mask and extra precautions may be needed. [...] Masks are an important strategy to prevent COVID from spreading, especially as new contagious variants circulate. Masks are safe and effective for anyone age 2 years or older. Don't hesitate to talk with your child's pediatrician if you have any questions about your child wearing face masks.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2023-09-02): 01 Sept. 2023 – Peter McCullough, MD [...] N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer 24 Aug. 2023 – HW 7:39 – Del Bigtree [...] FN Health and Spiritual Blog
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2023-08-27): Most liked, retweeted and popular Tweets [...] Top news stories on this day
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2023-11-29): The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has re-shared a study emphasizing the fact that wearing an N95 face mask for any reason can expose wearers to dangerous levels of deadly chemicals. [...] Cloth masks, the study concluded, are the safest of all. When made from simple cotton, a mask does not contain nearly the level of chemicals found in those blue plastic ones that everyone was told to wear for three years because of COVID. [...] cancer criminals, COVID, covid-19, face masks, masks, N95, NIH, pandemic, poison, real investigations, research, seizures, toxic chemicals, toxins, truth, VOC
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2023-01-01): But a study quietly re-shared by the National Institutes of Health in spring suggests the tight-fitting mask may expose users to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals. [...] The study found that the chemicals released by these masks had eight times the recommended safety limit of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). [...] The study was published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety and on the NIH's website.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2021-02-12): Masks help protect the people wearing them from getting or spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, but now researchers from the National Institutes of Health have added evidence for yet another potential benefit for wearers: The humidity created inside the mask may help combat respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. The study, led by researchers in the NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), found that face masks substantially increase the humidity in the air that the mask-wearer breathes in. This higher level of humidity in inhaled air, the researchers suggest, could help explain why wearing masks has been linked to lower disease severity in people infected with SARS-CoV-2, because hydration of the respiratory tract is known to benefit the immune system. The study published in the Biophysical Journal. [...] The study tested four common types of masks: an N95 mask, a three-ply disposable surgical mask, a two-ply cotton-polyester mask, and a heavy cotton mask. The researchers measured the level of humidity by having a volunteer breathe into a sealed steel box. When the person wore no mask, the water vapor of the exhaled breath filled the box, leading to a rapid increase in humidity inside the box.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2023-08-28): A recent study published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety and on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website suggests that wearing N95 Covid masks, specifically KF94 medical masks, may expose individuals to a dangerous level of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). [...] However, they also noted that "exposure can be significantly reduced if a mask is opened and left to sit for at least 30 minutes," suggesting that the packaging of these masks could play a role in the chemical levels they contain. [...] The study builds off previous research suggesting that mask-wearing could cause more harm than good, including a study by the Cochrane Institute that suggested face masks made "little to no difference" in Covid infections and deaths.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2022-03-29): Most face masks don’t expose wearers to harmful levels of PFAS, study says "Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Facemasks: Potential Source of Human Exposure to PFAS with Implications for Disposal to Landfills" [...] The researchers used mass spectrometry to measure nonvolatile and volatile PFAS in nine types of face masks: one surgical, one N95, six reusable cloth and a heat-resistant fabric mask advertised to firefighters. Surgical and N95 masks had the lowest levels, whereas the firefighting mask had the highest amount. Next, the team estimated the dose of PFAS that could cause health problems from chronic exposure, based on prior animal studies. According to the calculations, regular wear of the surgical, N95 and cloth masks would not pose a risk. However, the higher PFAS levels in the firefighter mask exceeded the dose considered safe, but only when worn for a full day (10 hours) at a high activity level, such as exercising or working in ways that boost the wearer’s respiration. Next, the researchers analyzed the environmental impact of PFAS from surgical and N95 masks (which comprise over 99% of masks discarded in landfills). They estimated that even if everyone in the U.S. over age 5 threw away one mask per day (90 billion masks per year), masks would be only a minor source of PFAS in landfill leachates and domestic water.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2021-08-16): The paper was published by an exercise physiologist with no academic connection to Stanford University or the NIH in a journal that accepts "radical, speculative and non-mainstream scientific ideas." [...] In November 2020, that journal published a paper that argued using face masks to prevent COVID-19 transmission does not work and, further, that face masks cause "hypoxia, hypercapnia, shortness of breath, increased acidity and toxicity, activation of fear and stress response, rise in stress hormones, immunosuppression, fatigue, headaches, decline in cognitive performance, predisposition for viral and infectious illnesses, chronic stress, anxiety and depression." The paper joins the storied ranks of other Medical Hypotheses articles including those arguing that masturbation is a cure for nasal congestion, that the Gulf War syndrome is caused by a beef allergy, and that high heels cause schizophrenia. Despite this journal's lack of traditional peer review and its unique editorial philosophy, the face-mask paper has been billed as authoritative empirical evidence against mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic. These sources attempt to impart further credibility to the ideas presented by describing this paper as a "Stanford study" or an "NIH study," referring to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2023-07-20): Check out this article written by the Daily Mail! [...] Check out this article published by the Daily Mail! Here is the link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12451241/The-UK-faces-tidal-wave-harm-ultra-processed-food-including-sliced-bread-cereal-ready-meals-millions-risk-heart-attacks-strokes.html?ito=email_share_article-top_most-read-articles
Claim: “Mask study published by NIH suggests N95 Covid masks may expose wearers to dangerous level of toxic compounds linked to seizures and cancer” (Emily Joshu, 2023-08-27)
Evidence (2020-05-08): The N95 respirator is an example of personal protective equipment (PPE) usually worn by health workers to protect the wearer from airborne particles and from liquid contaminating the face. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend that the general public use these masks because health workers and other medical first responders need them more. [...] N95 masks are estimated to reduce oxygen intake by anywhere from 5 to 20 percent. That’s significant, even for a healthy person. It can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. If you wear a mask long enough, it can damage the lungs. For a patient in respiratory distress, it can even be life threatening. [...] Ultimately, the impact of a mask on its wearer depends on the wearer's health, any pre-existing respiratory illnesses, the type of mask, and the length of time the person wears it. In most instances, the effects of prolonged cloth mask usage are small. Masks, like most short-term measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, should be worn only if the wearer has to be in close proximity to others, and be used in addition to necessary measures like social distancing, and more. As such, we rate this claim about the dangers of masks as "Mostly false."
Claim: Pfizer documents confirm that mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations contain graphene oxide (Richard Willett, 2023-02-08)
Evidence (2023-02-08): COVID-19 vaccines were rigorously tested in clinical trials before they were permitted to be used in the general public. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t contain graphene oxide nor is graphene listed on any credible ingredient lists of any COVID-19 vaccine provided by public health authorities and regulators. However, some have misrepresented a Pfizer document to claim otherwise. In fact, the document describes a microscopy study that was part of the structural characterization of the vaccine spike protein, in which scientists used graphene oxide as a support material for sample processing and visualization.
Claim: Pfizer documents confirm that mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations contain graphene oxide (Richard Willett, 2023-02-08)
Evidence (2021-07-07): Pfizer says it does not use graphene oxide and no such ingredient is listed in any of the three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. [...] Pfizer spokesperson Jerica Pitts said the company does not use graphene oxide, and no graphene oxide is present in its COVID-19 vaccine. [...] An Instagram post claimed that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is "99% graphene oxide," which is "toxic to the human body and causes a number of problems."
Claim: Pfizer documents confirm that mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations contain graphene oxide (Richard Willett, 2023-02-08)
Evidence (2021-08-08): On July 28, 2021, internet personality Stew Peters interviewed ex Pfizer staffer Kingston. She claimed there was "indisputable documentation" that proves mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) contain a "poison" known as graphene oxide. [...] There have been multiple claims made online which say that the Pfizer vaccine contains 99% graphene oxide, a substance which is derived from graphite. The claims originate from a Spanish study and have been circulating in English (across the UK and the US), in Spanish and in Portuguese. [...] In reality, there's no graphene oxide in the Pfizer vaccine, according to the ingredient list and Kit Longley, senior manager of science media relations at Pfizer, reported AP.
Claim: Pfizer documents confirm that mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations contain graphene oxide (Richard Willett, 2023-02-08)
Evidence (2021-08-04): There is no graphene oxide in any part of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not contain any graphene oxide. The ingredient list for both vaccines have been published and tested by outside parties. They were not found to contain any graphene oxide in their formulas, including their lipid nanoparticles. [...] No WHO authorized vaccines produced by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, CanSino, Sinovac, Sputnik V, or Janssen contain graphene oxide. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has not yet published a list of its ingredients in a peer-reviewed or open access publication.