There is a lot of division around wearing masks right now. In my state (California), the governor has issued a mandate requiring the wearing of masks in public.

I disagree with this order for a lot of reasons, but politics aside, I want to first discuss specific health concern for people with chronic conditions.

Those of us who have long term conditions (especially lung, heart, allergy and mast cell issues) can be significantly impacted by wearing a mask. However, we are currently prohibited from entering some establishments if we don’t, or we are given dirty looks and glaring stares for not wearing them.

Health Concerns

Wearing a mask lowers oxygen levels and increases carbon dioxide. Neither of these creates a significant enough problem for most people. But for some people, both of these can have serious affects.

For me, both of these issues trigger symptoms like headaches, rashes, dizziness, brain fog, burning and itchy skin.

Add into the mix the fact that every public establishment now has an extensive routine of extra cleaning, generally with products that also trigger symptoms, and I am now in a lose-lose situation. I am triggered by the chemicals and triggered by wearing the mask – which means if I go anywhere, it’s not the virus that is going to make me sick, it’s the environment.

Note that even healthy people can feel the affects of lower oxygen and increased carbon dioxide when wearing particulate respirators, such as an N95 mask.

Bottom Line

If you have a chronic condition and are out in public, whether you are wearing a mask or not, pay attention to your symptoms.

If you start feeling early signs of a trigger, take off the mask, take a break and get some fresh air.

If you are healthy enough to wear a mask without concern, don’t judge others who don’t. You don’t know what their reasons are for not wearing one.