Masks can reduce fresh air intake in young children by 61%?
The alleged reason for this: The dead space when breathing is artificially increased. The dead space is that part of the respiratory system that does not take part in the exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide. Among other things, it is responsible for warming the inhaled air and is therefore an important part of breathing.
The poster problematizes that the dead space is artificially enlarged because used air is held in the mask and then inhaled again, which, according to the poster, can reduce the fresh air depending on the permeability of the mask. This is a bigger problem for children because they need more oxygen.
What does the expert say about this?
Dr. , Francesco Cardona, MSc* from the Department of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics at the Medical University of Vienna is critical. According to him, the poster looks quite scientific, but the information about the dead space is more than questionable:
“Especially in view of the fact that the space between the mask and the face is actually permeable to breathing gases (CO2 and O2), it does not seem legitimate to state this as an increase in the dead space. The numbers can therefore only be theoretical maximum values.”
What does the WHO recommend about wearing masks in children?
The question of whether young children should wear masks is still an important one. Program director Markus Golla BScN MScN refers here to the WHO . This points out the local regulations, but advises against the use of masks by children under 5. If they still have to due to legal requirements, they should not be left out of sight. However, the WHO also emphasizes the importance for children between 6-11. But even for children of this age, the use of masks must be explained and demonstrated in detail.
It remains important – as is the case with adults – that masks can be washed regularly and therefore kept hygienic.
The WHO also advises that children who exercise should not wear a mask and those who have pre-existing conditions such as cancer should definitely wear medical versions. Circumstances that are not so easy to achieve everywhere in the world. The same requirements as adults should apply to children over 12. UNICEF supports these guidelines.
So it's not about the effectiveness of the mask, but about how children wear it and what difficulties can arise.
Scientific discussion
The question of whether small children should wear masks is hotly debated in science. An article in the European Journal of Pediatrics states:
“We completely agree that children under 2 should not wear a mask because of the small airways and the risk of suffocation.”
Another article in the journal also states that the size of masks for children needs to be adjusted, but there is no certified standard for this yet.
In the end, wearing masks remains generally important. The MNS is also useful for children over 5 years old, provided it is used correctly.
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Notes:
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