Does a study published by JAMA Pediatrics prove that face masks are dangerous for children?

Despite being published in a well-respected medical journal, the study has significant methodological flaws. Its findings run counter to established norms and recommendations about children and masks. Experts consulted by Lead Stories expressed serious concerns about the study.

The study said that children wearing face masks inhale unacceptable levels of carbon dioxide and, thus, shouldn't be forced to wear them. Both the study's conclusion and methodology have been questioned.

Eve Bloomgarden, one of the doctors who wrote a public response to the study and asked JAMA to retract it, told Lead Stories: "We always say that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence and this is an extraordinary claim with no evidence."

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 2 and up who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear masks to slow COVID-19. That's consistent with guidance from the CDC.