Written by: Chris Calton Tuesday, July 28, 2020

"Surgical and cotton medical masks fared better, but still with discouraging results overall (see here, here, here, here, and here)."

"Several studies measured the bacteria found on masks themselves, suggesting that even if short-term masking (such as visiting an immunocompromised patient in the hospital) may be beneficial, prolonged use may compromise the usefulness of the mask (see here, here, here, here, and here)."

"Other theories explaining why masks sometimes appear to produce increased rates of infection point to the compromised immune function caused by oxygen deprivation, which can also produce harmful effects, particularly for pregnant and asthmatic wearers (see here, here, here, here, here, and here)."

F. A. von Hayek, “Scientism and the Study of Society,” Economica 9, no. 35 (August 1942): 267–91.