Facing facts about wearing a mask

• I UNDERSTAND you allow space for letters that challenge the conventional wisdom.

However this does not mean you are obligated to give a shop window to disinformation that could be detrimental to public health.

I refer to Des Marshall’s assertion (Lockdown is the worst thing for us, October 1), that wearing a mask causes the wearer to breathe in more carbon dioxide and less oxygen.

As Dr Joshua Wolrich tweeted: “Masks categorically do not reduce oxygen saturation. This is a lie made up as an excuse by those who believe the pandemic is a hoax and that wearing a mask somehow encroaches on their rights.”

To back up his assertion, he posted a video showing a monitor measuring his oxygen saturation levels before and after wearing a mask. The levels remained unchanged.

Furthermore, Professor Keith Neal, an infectious disease expert, told the BBC: ”thin paper or cloth masks will not lead to hypoxia. Surgeons operate for hours wearing them.”

And Tom Lawton, an ICU doctor, ran six miles while wearing a face mask and tracking his oxygen levels to show there was no effect.

ELLIN STEIN
Rona Road, NW3