Does Wearing a Face Mask Raise Your CO2 Levels?

Government officials and healthcare experts have been urging everyone to wear a face mask in public to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Some have complained that it has caused them to feel dizzy and some have reported that they have actually fainted because of wearing one.

This begs the question, does wearing a face mask increase CO2 levels? A recent newsmax.com column detailed the story of a Lincoln Park, New Jersey man who crashed his car into a pole while wearing an N95 face mask. He said that the face mask caused him to lack neccessary oxygen and that he experienced excessive CO2 intake.

Health Magazine has also addressed this topic. An expert in chemistry advised that a person wearing an N95 face mask for an extended period of time can experience alterations in their blood chemistry, which could cause a change in the level of consciousness.

Most healthcare professionals dispute this assertion and they wear N95 face masks for many hours, especially these days.

The experts generally agree that there's no reason for the general public to wear an N95 face mask. Further, wearing the more loose fitting face masks should not cause any problems, because they allow air to circulate freely.

Our server today at a takeout lunch told my wife Margie and I that she had felt light-headed in the past after a day of wearing the face mask all day.

So, you can see, it really is a mixed bag when it comes to advice about wearing face masks. My personal belief is that for most of us who wear them responsibly when we're supposed to, it's only for short periods of time, you shouldn't have any problem.

The longest I have worn a face mask is for about 1 1/2 hours when I donated a pint of blood last week. I didn't like it. But, I had no problem breathing.

For those who have lung, breathing issues, wearing a face mask is not a pleasant experience and you should consult your healthcare provider.

While other cultures have worn face masks for many years, it's all brand new to us.

It is also my hope that this whole face mask stuff will be short lived.

Stay safe. Stay healthy.