A recent study from Jeonbuk National University in South Korea, which was referenced by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), suggests that the widely used N95 masks might expose wearers to potentially harmful levels of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs).
The research indicates that the chemicals released by certain disposable medical-grade masks surpass the recommended safety levels by up to eight times, The Daily Mail reports.
According to the study, which was published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety and later mentioned on the NIH website, inhaling TVOCs can lead to various health concerns.
Immediate symptoms might include headaches and nausea, while long-term exposure has the potential to cause organ damage and even cancer.
The researchers pointed out, “It is clear that particular attention must be paid to the VOCs associated with the use of KF94 [medical] masks and their effects on human health.”
Interestingly, the study suggests that letting a mask air out for 30 minutes after unpacking could drastically reduce the risk, hinting at the possibility that the mask’s packaging might influence the chemical levels.
The NIH clarified its stance by mentioning, “Inclusion in an NLM database does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents by NLM or the National Institutes of Health.”
To provide context, the study examined 14 different masks, both disposable and cloth varieties, Daily Mail notes.
Among the disposable options, the KFAD and KF94 models, made from thermoplastics polypropylene and polyurethane nylon, were the primary focus.
These models are quite popular in South Korea, offering filtration efficacy comparable to the KN95s prevalent in the U.S.
When comparing the TVOC concentration levels, cloth masks made from materials like cotton and ramie showed significantly lower levels, around 14 times less than the disposable counterparts.
The researchers noted, “These TVOC concentration levels corresponded to a level that is harmless to the human body (no relevant health-related concerns).”
Highlighting the risk, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommended maintaining TVOC levels below 0.5 parts per million in indoor environments.
In contrast, the research discovered that some masks had concentrations as high as 4.8 parts per million, a concerning eight-fold excess of the EPA’s recommendation.
TVOCs, often found in cleaning and beauty products, as well as in burning fuel and certain building materials, can irritate the respiratory system and even damage vital organs, as cited by the American Lung Association (ALA).
Certain TVOCs, such as dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and dimethylformamide (DMF), have been associated with significant health issues like liver and reproductive harm.
Despite the alarming findings, Dr. Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine physician, urged caution in drawing definitive conclusions from the study.
“Almost everything in healthcare has a benefit/side effect profile,” Dr. Fischer stated.
Read the full study below:
