Can wearing an N95 mask reduce your oxygen intake?
The Food and Drug Administration suggests that N95 masks should not be used by the general public. Wearing an N95 mask for a prolonged period of time can reduce oxygen intake by as much as 20%, which is enough to cause dizziness and lightheadedness even in healthy people. Only prolonged mask wearing is likely to cause problems related to oxygen deficiency, researchers say.
N95 masks are designed to fit tightly and to filter out hazardous air particles, and are intended for use by workers with jobs in fields like construction and health care. To reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus, the general public is being advised (or required in some jurisdictions) to wear masks that cover their mouths and noses to reduce the likelihood of wearers exposing others nearby to their own exhaled virus particles.
