Stanford study says masks are ineffective, have devastating health consequences

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A group of Stanford researchers published a study that says masks are ineffective and could have long-term health consequences.

“Although, scientific evidence supporting facemasks’ efficacy is lacking, adverse physiological, psychological and health effects are established,” the article states.

In January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention performed a study and concluded that universal masking is recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19.

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But Stanford researchers disagree and say not only are masks ineffective, but could also be causing long-term health problems.

“Both medical and non-medical facemasks are ineffective to reduce human-to-human transmission and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19,” the article details. “Wearing facemasks has adverse physiological and psychological effects … [and] long-term consequences of wearing facemasks on health are detrimental.”

The group’s research suggests that the long-term practice of wearing facemasks has the “strong potential for devastating health consequences,” and states that masks should be “avoided from use.”

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The Stanford group also cites the possible impact COVID-19 has on mental health.

“With respect to mental health, global estimates showing that COVID- 19 will cause a catastrophe due to collateral psychological damage such as quarantine, lockdowns, unemployment, economic collapse, social isolation, violence and suicides,” the article reads. “Chronic stress along with hypoxic and hypercapnic conditions knocks the body out of balance … This state suppressing the immune system to protect the body from viruses and bacteria, decreasing cognitive function, promoting the developing and exacerbating the major health issues …”

The study concludes that existing scientific evidence challenges the safety and efficacy of wearing facemask as preventive intervention for COVID-19.

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