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Masks Are Neither Effective Nor Safe: A Summary Of The Science


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2020 Aug 10, 10:03pm   2,793 views  103 comments

by Patrick   ➕follow (55)   💰tip   ignore  

https://www.technocracy.news/masks-are-neither-effective-nor-safe-a-summary-of-the-science/

At this writing, there is a recent surge in widespread use by the public of facemasks when in public places, including for extended periods of time, in the United States as well as in other countries. The public has been instructed by media and their governments that one’s use of masks, even if not sick, may prevent others from being infected with SARS-CoV-2, the infectious agent of COVID-19.

A review of the peer-reviewed medical literature examines impacts on human health, both immunological, as well as physiological. The purpose of this paper is to examine data regarding the effectiveness of facemasks, as well as safety data. The reason that both are examined in one paper is that for the general public as a whole, as well as for every individual, a risk-benefit analysis is necessary to guide decisions on if and when to wear a mask.
Are masks effective at preventing transmission of respiratory pathogens?

In this meta-analysis, face masks were found to have no detectable effect against transmission of viral infections. (1) It found: “Compared to no masks, there was no reduction of influenza-like illness cases or influenza for masks in the general population, nor in healthcare workers.”

This 2020 meta-analysis found that evidence from randomized controlled trials of face masks did not support a substantial effect on transmission of laboratory-confirmed influenza, either when worn by infected persons (source control) or by persons in the general community to reduce their susceptibility. (2)

Another recent review found that masks had no effect specifically against Covid-19, although facemask use seemed linked to, in 3 of 31 studies, “very slightly reduced” odds of developing influenza-like illness. (3)

This 2019 study of 2862 participants showed that both N95 respirators and surgical masks “resulted in no significant difference in the incidence of laboratory confirmed influenza.” (4)

This 2016 meta-analysis found that both randomized controlled trials and observational studies of N95 respirators and surgical masks used by healthcare workers did not show benefit against transmission of acute respiratory infections. It was also found that acute respiratory infection transmission “may have occurred via contamination of provided respiratory protective equipment during storage and reuse of masks and respirators throughout the workday.” (5) ...


And on and on, many scientific papers.

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1   Ceffer   2020 Aug 10, 10:18pm  

Covid has achieved through fear and superstition, non-scientific status as a public perception based religion. That was the goal, and it was achieved for a large segment of the population.

Now, just hope you aren't physically attacked by Covid faithful and fanatics for being less-Covid-than-thou.

They'll make the ersatz vaccine mandatory with ID proof that you have been inoculated in order to travel, etc. The globalists want everybody injected with whatever they see fit on demand, with social privileges and citizenship rights tied to carried identification proving that you have been inoculated. it has nothing to do with disease prevention any more. They want to alter your body biologically in any way they see fit.
2   PeopleUnited   2020 Aug 11, 6:50am  

Ceffer says
The globalists want everybody injected with whatever they see fit on demand, with social privileges and citizenship rights tied to carried identification proving that you have been inoculated. it has nothing to do with disease prevention any more.


Exactly right. It is about control. It is a violation equal to if not worse than rape. People who let a stranger stick a rod in them are whores. Don’t be a whore and don’t let them violate and penetrate you. Don’t let their fear mongering effect you. Don’t let them control you. Your body your choice!

End vaccination rape!!
6   WookieMan   2020 Aug 13, 1:38pm  

georgeliberte says
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Biden-Harris-lash-Trump-at-debut-of-historic-VP-15480242.php

From your link...

“Every single American should be wearing a mask when they’re outside for the next three months at a minimum — every governor should mandate mandatory mask wearing," Biden declared.


I hope this is an Onion piece. 3 months? Funny timing. WTF?
7   rocketjoe79   2020 Aug 13, 7:54pm  

I went to the doctor's office last week. I was wearing my N95 mask. I'm covid negative, I've been tested. I'm in a moderate to high risk profile. The nurse forced me to change out my mask for a standard medical paper/cloth mask. So, this tells me, I cannot protect myself, BUT I'm required to protect others, while putting myself at risk (since standard masks do nothing to protect the user, but might prevent transmission outward.)

Am I missing something here?
9   Patrick   2020 Aug 14, 1:00am  

The virus is trivial.

It was stupid to shut down anything.

Sweden was right.

We need to fire all of our supposed public health experts. They have failed and caused massive damage by their failure.
10   WookieMan   2020 Aug 14, 5:26am  

rocketjoe79 says
Am I missing something here?

You're missing that neither mask will filter out particles the size of Covid. Even the N-95. It's neither a protectant for you or others around you. It's why all gas stations and grocery stores have solid surfaces (spit shields) at check out counters. The advice was right in the beginning. Mask aren't and can never be effective for a virus like Covid and most viruses.

It's not even a conspiracy anymore. Fauci was saying what the science was at the beginning, and it was the only time he's been right, don't wear masks. Someone got in his ear to change his tune. Who that was, who knows. When you got Biden in the article linked above saying masks should be worn for the next 3 months, WTF is that about? Why not 6 months? 9? A year? It's really not a secret anymore that the masks are BS. They've brainwashed enough morons, that they don't have to do the heavy lifting anymore, Karen can.

Note: Masks do work for other things. The ones 99% of the public wear, literally cannot stop Covid from exiting or entering masks. Hence why you're seeing more health professionals and the truly germaphobic wearing the face shields. You need a solid surface, even if it's not completely enclosed.
11   WookieMan   2020 Aug 14, 7:48am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
That was a decision made on generic data.

So previous data is just wrong now? Lol. It's purely a discussion of filtration based on the size of the virus floating out of your mouth. The studies done on masks in the past still matter. It's like someone saying the earth is round for half a century and then 4 months ago said "nah, new science, earth is flat." You're literally throwing out decades of science when you say masks work to protect you from this virus. Have fun. lol.
12   Allin   2020 Aug 14, 7:50am  

Apparently you must not have followed or read the link in the first post. This science is clear and was worked out and reported in a medical journal 100 years ago. The doctors who did the study concluded in 1918 that masks were ineffective in preventing the spread of a influenza.
13   WookieMan   2020 Aug 14, 8:39am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
I'll take the data scientist over the naturopath.


Cases are rising with more mask wearing. The actual data being shown doesn't back up the claim that masks work. Fuck scientist and naturopath. We have more cases with increased mask wearing. That's indisputable. We're almost at levels of cases at the peak without masks. Data. It's all there. It's obvious. Keep sucking on the spin dick though.
14   WookieMan   2020 Aug 14, 8:46am  

Jesus. Just look at the dates and the god damn data. We were going to hockey games, basketball, concerts, theaters, restaurants with NOTHING on our faces. We're now seeing an uptick towards 60-70% of the peak WITH masks, no concerts, sports, or anything. Masks don't work and it's as obvious as the sun rising. Get over it.
15   WookieMan   2020 Aug 14, 9:08am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
Common sense can only answer easy questions

Why are cases increasing with more mask wearing? Give me the common sense answer now that you're back again.
16   WookieMan   2020 Aug 14, 9:16am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
Obesity rates have skyrocketed since they removed lead from gasoline. Those things are a coincidence

Apples are horses and crabgrass vagina.... what? Mask use was a big fat zero in March and April when 10k+ people were attending sporting events and concerts. Those things go away and we wear masks and cases are jumping back near levels where we were in closer quarters with each other, not wearing masks. You don't have an explanation for this.
17   WookieMan   2020 Aug 14, 9:41am  

And what's with the month of October and alt accounts man? Just keep a username.
18   Onvacation   2020 Aug 14, 11:00am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
Now, there have been lots of studies on the spread of the coronavirus. When you have an open mind, new information sometimes leads to a different result.

The old info said millions were to die! The new info says wear a mask just in case you might have a cold so you don't give it to others.

Do you have any links to your "new information"?
19   theoakman   2020 Aug 15, 5:38am  

One thing that people completely discount is that once mandates were put in place to wear a mask, there are a large contingent of people that no longer adhere to social distancing at places like the supermarket. So, the wearing of a mask actually increases the risk you come into contact with the virus in that setting.
20   WookieMan   2020 Aug 15, 5:42am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
Side note: I made about 5 or 6 posts in the last two days, and none of them were personal or inflammatory. I think two of the posts were removed, and now my posts go into moderation. I don't know if there is a genuine interest in a viewpoint outside of the bubble here. If so, this is a curious way to get it.

I believe Patrick has it automated for new users if they post frequently (I think 5 times?) after registering. It's to avoid bots and spam that would litter the site with BS. Nothing to do with content or comments.
21   WookieMan   2020 Aug 15, 6:08am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
The most important reason is that there were few outbreaks back in April

False. We had more active cases during a time where we had minimal testing and people were still going to concerts, hockey games, spring training games, etc. The outbreaks were massive and we couldn't test them. Covid also didn't get here in March/April. Action was taken in late January to address it on some fronts, one of which was not to wear masks. It's extremely likely that Covid has been in the states since December. It was spreading bigly and because of limited testing it was likely even more widespread than we know.

Think about Chicago in the winter. Anything of entertainment value involves going inside and there generally being 100 plus people. Blackhaks game, 18-20k. We did that from January until April, completely unmasked. We shut that stuff down in April, masks are mandated in May/June and yet with all that stuff shut down, we're closing in on the previous peak WITH masks and WITHOUT sports, concerts, mass gatherings, etc. It's very clear that masks and even social distancing might be doing squat.

theOrangeManIsBad says
Not a reason, but an obvious piece of contrary evidence: After massive outdoor BLM protests with masks in liberal cities, CV cases did not spike in those cities. Instead, they spiked in southern locations filled with people who refuse to wear masks and think/though the CV was a hoax.

They already spiked in liberal and conservative cities, because cities are generally dirty shit holes except the "downtown district" or some other fancy part. If it hadn't spread there, it would have never gotten to rural areas. Georgia has been an example here. Below is today's chart of their cases. They were basically one of, if the not first states to open back up. Sports and mass gatherings are still banned in that state. It was warm in April-June. Why the uptick in cases? Are you saying no one wears masks in Georgia? I don't think the folks in Atlanta would agree.

So why is there a massive uptick in Georgia with more masks being worn and social distancing? This is what the mask pusher fail to realize. All the data is showing the complete opposite. If anything, since mask mandate have been pushed so hard, we're seeing an uptick. Remember, we're starting from a baseline of 0 basically. Nobody wore masks near the end of March. If even 20-30% of the population wears them indoors and they were remotely effective, we'd not see increasing cases. This isn't science, it's data available to everyone. You've yet to refute this besides bring up liberal cities and leadership, none of which have anything to do with the topic.

https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report
22   Onvacation   2020 Aug 15, 6:47am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
Not a reason, but an obvious piece of contrary evidence: After massive outdoor BLM protests with masks in liberal cities, CV cases did not spike in those cities. Instead, they spiked in southern locations filled with people who refuse to wear masks and think/though the CV was a hoax.

Really?
23   Onvacation   2020 Aug 15, 6:49am  

The sickness is real it's the overreaction that's hoaxish.
24   Onvacation   2020 Aug 15, 6:51am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
Our country is in a shitty place right now due to lack of coordinated effort, which is due to failed/no national leadership. We still have wildly differing opinions from the top on down, so there is little chance of improvement in the near term.

Agreed! Biden sucks!
25   Onvacation   2020 Aug 15, 6:54am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
Ferguson's study shows that millions (over a million in US, anyway) would die if everybody continued to live as normal. That's useful information, and it was never proven wrong.

It was disproven by the fact that millions did not die!
26   Onvacation   2020 Aug 15, 6:56am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
I'm not a link monkey

So ya got nothing but unsubstantiated opinion? You and Fauci.
27   Onvacation   2020 Aug 15, 6:57am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
I don't know if there is a genuine interest in a viewpoint outside of the bubble here. If so, this is a curious way to get it.

Patnet IS the opinion outside the bubble!
28   WookieMan   2020 Aug 15, 8:23am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
In late March in GA, cases were doubling every 3 to 7 days, much like the rest of the country. The lockdown slowed it and turned things around. GA opened up too early (according to the CDC guidelines), and the virus started spreading again. The growth rate never got back up to doubling every 3-7 days, but it did spike pretty high after opening too early.

I just posted a graph showing cases and when the lockdown ended in Georgia and a link to the data. Ending the lockdown shows zero movement on cases for months. Not days or weeks, months. Cases start spiking around the time the GA governor gets pissy about mask mandates from Atlanta in July. The federal government issued a mask recommendation April 24th. While 100% of people didn't and won't follow federal government requests, it's likely 10-20% of people followed the request. Again no change in data for MONTHS after a federal mask mandate.

Move to July and there's a bitch fest between the governor and ATL mayor. By this time I'd guess there's at least 30-40% mask compliance even in Georgia when entering a business. But NOW the cases spike. No sports. No mass gatherings. The spin campaign cannot answer for this.

theOrangeManIsBad says
What is preventing it from spiking again in NYC? It's not due to herd immunity, because not enough people have been infected to allow NYC to return to normal.

You or myself have zero clue as most people aren't going to waste their time to get an antibody test. A substantial portion of the population could have gotten this and we'd have no clue and never will. In NY, the governor put sick people in places where there were other sick people. Again, from that data and observing what happened, we know it was a fucking retarded decision. We need to look at the data and facts that have occurred.

theOrangeManIsBad says
The lockdown slowed it and turned things around. GA opened up too early (according to the CDC guidelines), and the virus started spreading again. The growth rate never got back up to doubling every 3-7 days, but it did spike pretty high after opening too early.

You literally didn't look at my graph at all. That's fine. There was no change for months after opening up in Georgia. The only changes happen when MORE mask wearing was being pushed on a daily basis. That's the only catalyst in this as mass gatherings were still banned. It was warm in April-June and people were out on lakes, camping and going to restaurants. The most obvious influencing factor is masks. Name another that can explain the spike in cases in GA?
29   WookieMan   2020 Aug 15, 8:33am  

theOrangeManIsBad says
It's a big social engineering problem that could be solved with effective leadership and communication.

Leadership from who? The grocery store manager? Gas station clerk? Mayor? Trustee? Governor? POTUS? I don't know or care your political leanings, but if you want "leadership" to control your life, we might as well have a dictator. I mean, isn't that what Trump is anyway? Nah, now it's poor leadership, whereas previously it would have been him trying to be a dictator. Thing is you can't have it both ways without looking like an idiot.

theOrangeManIsBad says
Plus, people need instructions on wearing a mask. It might seem unnecessary, but a quick look around at people failing to do it right shows the opposite. The importance of messaging was also known back in March when people were considering mask recommendations. It would be nice if someone in charge could get the message out.

Messaging? You should die a gruesome death if you don't know how to wear a mask if you're not disabled. What are you even talking about here?

theOrangeManIsBad says
When you drive, you ideally wear a seat belt, have an airbag, stay alert, stay sober, avoid excessive speeding, and avoid distractions. You aren't supposed to say, 'I have an airbag, so I'm not doing those other things!'

Don't get the point. Data points to these safety items and laws working. The evidence (AKA DATA) does not point to masks working for THIS virus. You're comparing apples to centipedes.
30   mell   2020 Aug 15, 8:34am  

N95 masks and higher if properly worn and disposed do protect the wearer to a significant degree, but you can't wear them for a prolonged time. If you work in a hospital around many sick from airborne viruses, you will need a full body suit, n/p100 mask plus face shield to fully protect you. Cloth and surgical masks do not protect but may be helpful to reduce droplet spread if worn by sick people. In daily life most of this is impractical and the use and reuse and improper disposal could have the opposite effect. The best protection is to frequently wash hands and not touching ones face and maintaining reasonable distance. The government mandates are unconstitutional and achieve nothing except for destroying the economy and killing more people of other diseases who are avoiding MDs, can't get diagnostic tests due to Covid over allocation or due to not being able to get a negative covid test in time. Heart attacks don't wait for covid test results.
31   WookieMan   2020 Aug 15, 8:55am  

mell says
N95 masks and higher if properly worn and disposed do protect the wearer to a significant degree, but you can't wear them for a prolonged time.

I'm going to look up the some of the studies I've read recently (I should save this shit, lol). So I'm not going to shoot you down immediately, but I've read (not opinion pieces either, studies) that even N-95 masks don't protect against this virus. I know for certain that I've yet to see a study where an N-95 for sure protects you from Covid.

There's a reason early on in March and April every business put up solid surface spit shield at grocery stores and gas station check out counters. Any virus is 100% known to not be able to penetrate a solid surface. Being a small town guy, our gas station put those up in April. I know the owner and most the employees. 10k cars drive by daily, so a lot stop for fuel, snacks and beer. Not one employee has gotten it and they don't wear masks. People hate anecdotal evidence, but is HAS to be taken into account. You cannot deal with 500+ people a day and not have ONE employee get Covid while not wearing a mask.
32   mell   2020 Aug 15, 9:03am  

WookieMan says
I'm going to look up the some of the studies I've read recently (I should save this shit, lol). So I'm not going to shoot you down immediately, but I've read (not opinion pieces either, studies) that even N-95 masks don't protect against this virus. I know for certain that I've yet to see a study where an N-95 for sure protects you from Covid.


They don't protect for sure as they still let 5% in, plus the size of virions may be just below the filters. That's why properly equipped hospitals have their worker weear bodysuits fitting with masks and face-shields for dealing with highly infective airborne viruses. Most ineffectiveness though comes from improper wear and use. Also we're assuming the virus is airborne. You can't wear these masks for a prolonged time without damaging your health. Outdoors any mask is completely unnecessary. For brief periods of poorly ventilated indoor use I'd recommend N95 or higher if you are at high risk. If th me shops and restaurants keep windows and doors fully open mosy cases of transmission can be prevented.
33   mell   2020 Aug 15, 9:06am  

Also keep in mind that South Korean hospitals were able to reduce transmission rates to close to zero just by instituting rigid and frequent hand washing and disinfection procedures for their covid staff, no masks or shields or suits. Which leads me to believe it may not be airborne for the most part. Fact is to this day nobody knows the main mode(s) of transmission. Yet the leftoid lamestream media and fraudci play the know it alls.
34   WookieMan   2020 Aug 15, 9:12am  

mell says
They don't protect for sure as they still let 5% in, plus the size of virions may be just below the filters.

And this is the standard for health professionals (I know you meant microns FYI). Yet we're supposed to cut up t-shirts and strap them to our face? It makes zero sense to an intelligent person. And I agree, there is a certain percentage of blockage and protection, but at the end of the day it's minimal at best and most likely useless. We've literally shut down mass gatherings everywhere and we're still seeing an uptick WITH exponentially more mask wearing. They don't work. There's no other data or evidence I've seen showing otherwise.

The problem is the mask pushers would have to admit we're testing at a substantially high level. That would mean Trump is doing it right. So they focus on the fact we have more cases and voluntarily omit the fact we're testing more than anyone in the world and blame the increased cases on people not wearing masks. And we all know who doesn't wear masks.... Republicans.
35   mell   2020 Aug 15, 9:24am  

WookieMan says
mell says
They don't protect for sure as they still let 5% in, plus the size of virions may be just below the filters.

And this is the standard for health professionals (I know you meant microns FYI). Yet we're supposed to cut up t-shirts and strap them to our face? It makes zero sense to an intelligent person. And I agree, there is a certain percentage of blockage and protection, but at the end of the day it's minimal at best and most likely useless. We've literally shut down mass gatherings everywhere and we're still seeing an uptick WITH exponentially more mask wearing. They don't work. There's no other data or evidence I've seen showing otherwise.

The problem is the mask pushers would have to admit we're testing at a substantially high level. That would mean Trump is doing it right. So they focus on the fact we have more cases and voluntarily omit the fact we're testing more than...


The level of testing is insane, in fact we're testing too much now, but many of these tests are required for travel, MD visits and anything else. Yeah Trump did it right and the mask pushers are in the wrong, any outdoor mask wearing mandate should have been struck down immediately as unconstitutional and cops should voice to never supports such bullshit.
36   Karloff   2020 Aug 15, 10:00am  

Denninger has reported on this numerous times. Here's a video showing the numbers and charts that expose this mask and social distancing fraud. Different cities, different strategies, different times of enforcing masks and the result is: No difference.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/0dBkf8O3vKg
37   WookieMan   2020 Aug 15, 10:02am  

mell says
Yeah Trump did it right and the mask pushers are in the wrong, any outdoor mask wearing mandate should have been struck down immediately as unconstitutional and cops should voice to never supports such bullshit.

Cops out by me won't enforce anything the gov comes up with. I'm fortunate though. It's worse in most areas. I don't interact with anyone best case 6 of 7 days. Mask or social distancing doesn't even factor into life. But whatever. To lazy to scroll, but I think it was Onvacation maybe? that mentioned masks are essentially armor and social distancing goes out the window. It's creating a this body armor phsycology that actually reverses the progress and make people think they're "safe" when in reality it's no different than not wearing one. Just don't get close to people and wash hands. Not complicated and we can still function as a society outside of mass gatherings.
38   Patrick   2020 Aug 15, 10:32am  

https://www.dailywire.com/news/swedens-top-epidemiologist-says-we-see-no-point-in-wearing-masks-as-covid-19-cases-drop

Just last week, the Netherlands announced it would not be instituting a face mask mandate, arguing that research shows social distancing rules prove more effective at combating the virus than masks.

“Because from a medical perspective there is no proven effectiveness of masks, the Cabinet has decided that there will be no national obligation for wearing non-medical masks,” The Netherlands’ Minister for Medical Care Tamara van Ark said.
39   WookieMan   2020 Aug 15, 11:15am  

Patrick, you're wrong and all the evidence that supports masks not working is wrong. You're just wrong... just because ;)
40   Bd6r   2020 Aug 15, 1:32pm  

theOrangeManIsBad says
Decades of science are not wrong. They just don't necessarily apply to a new virus. Plus, data scientists looking at generic (non-coronavirus 19) data back in March concluded that masks would be helpful. Fauci was reconsidering masks at that time. I'll take the data scientist over the naturopath.

1. Peer-reviewed science says that "masks do not work" for flu - https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article. I have not seen peer-reviewed research about corona, but I fail to see how it would be different, given virus size and similar spread. If there are articles in research journals (not youtube or NYT), I am willing to reconsider my position.

2, If masks are so effective, why NZ gov't did not requite wearing them? NZ was one of the very few countries that was able to completely suppress corona.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12330388

It found there was evidence of potential benefits - but also potential harm - around masks and that the science wasn't conclusive.

But facts do not matter, orangeman still bad, and we all should wear masks as a sign of submitting to omnipotent government.

www.youtube.com/embed/6gnwgZli1_Y

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