A study published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection found that those who wore masks were more likely to contract COVID-19 than those who did not.
The study focused on mask-wearing in Norway.
According to the researchers, incidents of contracting COVID-19 were 33% higher in those wearing face masks “often or sometimes,” and 40% higher in those wearing face masks “almost always or always.”
“We believe the observed increased incidents of infection associated with wearing a face mask is likely due to unobservable and hence nonadjustable differences between those wearing and not wearing a mask,” the study said.
The authors noted that wearing face masks was also “associated with an increased relative risk of experiencing respiratory symptoms.”
“The results contradict earlier randomized and non-randomized studies of the effectiveness of mask-wearing on the risk of infection,” the researchers wrote.
“Most of these studies reported that wearing a face mask reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection. Some observational studies have reported manyfold reductions while one community-based randomized trial failed to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in infection risk and one cluster randomized community trial found only a modest reduction.”
In September, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons demanded mask mandates end after studies found masks do not prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.
“As mask mandates are contrary to the fundamental medical principle of informed consent, all masking mandates currently in place must be rescinded, and no future mandates should be imposed,” the group said in a statement.
“Furthermore, since mask mandates for viral illnesses provide no clear benefits, while creating potential for harm, individuals should be empowered to choose to not observe such mandates that are either currently in existence or that may be imposed in the future.”
According to one scientific paper, “carbon dioxide content in inhaled air rises on average to 13,000 to 13,750 ppm no matter whether children wear a surgical or an FFP2 mask,” something “far beyond the level of 2,000 ppm considered the limit of acceptability and beyond the 1,000 ppm that are normal for air in closed rooms.”
