Analysis: False sense of security of temperature checks and hidden dangers of disposable masks: Is breaking the Governor’s Order good for SMCISD students, Faculty and Staff?

By Professor “LMC” Lisa Marie Coppoletta, columnist

During the August 12, 2021 “Special Meeting” San Marcos CISD Board of Trustees agenda item “IV. Consider Action Regarding Adopting Resolution to Mandate Masks for Employees and Students for the 2021-22 School Year,” discussed temperature checks and facemasks. 

The scientific concerns of temperature checks and disposal facemasks, especially for children, are lacking in this discussion of protocols to be set in place for the new school year. 

 TEMPERATURE CHECK CONCERNS

At the meeting, Doug Wozniak, SMISD Director of Student Safety, explained how temperature checks will be used, “We’ll be screening kids just like we did last year. So temperatures when they get on the bus temperatures when they come through carpool. So really almost identical with our plan last year.”

November 12, 2020 article “CDC study says temperature screenings not effective.”
“The CDC conducted a screening program for air passengers arriving from countries experiencing surges in the coronavirus between January 17 and September 13. The program involved taking temperatures and monitoring for coughing, shortness of breath, and other coronavirus-related symptoms. After screening more than 760,000 individuals, only 35 passengers were told to get tested for COVID-19. 

Of that group, nine tested positive, a success rate of roughly one coronavirus case per 85,000 passengers, CNN reported.”

My question is, what are the guidelines from the manufacturer about disinfecting non-contact thermometers being used by SMISD, according to the CDC, “If non-contact thermometers are used, you should clean and disinfect them according to manufacturer’s instructions and facility policies.”

And, temperature checks can be misleading, according to the June 03, 2021 article “Temperature Checks Now Thought to Be ‘Useless’ to Screen for COVID-19.”

“Temperature screening will miss many many people with infections,” said Dr. Jeff Klausner, a preventative medicine specialist at USC’s Keck School of Medicine.”

The article continues, “But over the course of 2020, the CDC examined cases of 766,044 travelers entering the U.S. who were screened for temperatures and other symptoms. The report says only 1 case of COVID was found for every 85,000 travelers screened. The CDC has now concluded, “Symptom-based screening programs are ineffective.”

“I think temperature screenings are problematic because many times people can have Covid without a fever,” said USC’s Dr. Klausner.”

DISPOSABLE FACE MASKS CONCERNS

Wozniak advised on SMISD’s supply of face masks. “So we currently have probably, I want to say, 50,000 disposable masks in our warehouse that we have available for all of our staff and our kiddos.” Wozniak, “We have a supply of 95 as well as K 95.”

Is N-95 really necessary in the school district? February 17, 2021 article “The CDC Just Issued a Warning About This Kind of Face Mask” states, “CDC asks that N95 masks be reserved for healthcare workers.”

Moreover, N-95 masks carry with them hidden dangers. The June 22, 2020 article “Killer COVID-19 Masks? The Truth About Trapped Carbon Dioxide” was published on the Hartford Health Care website.

“An N95 mask could possibly cause Hypoxia: When body tissue does not get enough oxygen. Hypercapnia: Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood that can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, and, in extreme cases, hyperventilation, seizures, and possible death. But even an N95 mask is unlikely to produce such extreme reactions. A respiratory illness such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, can cause both hypoxia and hypercapnia. Those with a preexisting condition who experience breathing difficulties, of course, would almost certainly remove the mask.”

Regarding the KN95 masks, there are also associated dangers. February 17, 2021 article “The CDC Just Issued a Warning About This Kind of Face Mask” states, “The CDC notes that at least 60 percent of KN95 masks circulating in the U.S. may be counterfeit or fake, as the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has found that they don’t meet the requirements they claim to meet.”

It is essential for the San Marcos Independent School District to have an educational piece with their mask mandate. It is vital that the cloth masks be washed upon each use. And, it makes logical sense to refrain from touching items and then touching your mask. The mask can become contaminated otherwise. 

Additionally, disposable face masks can be highly toxic. In the March 31, 2021 article, “BOMBSHELL: Disposable blue face masks found to contain toxic, an asbestos-like substance that destroys lungs,” we find the toxicity of the disposal face mask: “Health Canada has issued a warning about blue and gray disposable face masks, which contain an asbestos-like substance associated with “early pulmonary toxicity.”

The SNN200642 masks, which are made in China and sold and distributed by a Quebec-based company called Métallifer, had been part of Canada’s public school reopening plan. Students were told that they needed to wear them in the classroom to prevent the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

Health Canada, however, discovered during a preliminary risk assessment that the masks contain microscopic graphene particles that, when inhaled, could cause severe lung damage. “Graphene is a strong, very thin material that is used in fabrication, but it can be harmful to lungs when inhaled and can cause long-term health problems,” reported CBC News.”

In an April 09, 2021 article published by The American Institute for Economic Research, “The Dangers of Masks, “by Paul Alexander bachelor’s degree in epidemiology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, a master’s degree from Oxford University, and a Ph.D. from McMaster University’s Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, explains Many of the face masks “. . . are made of polyester, so you have a microplastic problem…many of the face masks would contain polyester with chlorine compounds…if I have the mask in front of my face, then, of course, I inhale the microplastic directly, and these substances are much more toxic than if you swallow them, as they get directly into the nervous system.”

And, the dangers of toxic mold are concerning “There are also reports of toxic mold, fungi, and bacteria that can pose a significant threat to the immune system by potentially weakening it. Of particular concern to us is the recent report of breathing in synthetic fibers in the face masks.”

The Graphene in some of these disposal masks can be harmful. 

“We argue that there is a risk of potential ‘future’ inflammatory/fibrotic lung diseases because we are inhaling these materials in the masks now for over one year with more duration to come and no end in sight. These substances might also be highly carcinogenic. Not just for us as adults, but we must be very concerned about the risks especially to our children….”

Children in Canada were reporting they felt as if “they were swallowing cat hair while wearing them.” The article explains, “We now know that instead of cat hair, children were inhaling the equivalent of asbestos all day long.” This is a pause for concern since “This is indeed a catastrophic failure by the regulators as these surgical face masks are linked to early pulmonary toxicity.” The article also explains that “Some masks even contain fiberglass, and this is very dangerous as we know to inhale.”

In an article from April 07, 2021, ‘What we are breathing through our mouth and nose is actually hazardous waste’: Scientists find evidence of toxic chemicals in some face masks.”

“Scientists have found evidence that some face masks which are on sale and being used by members of the general public are laced with toxic chemicals. Preliminary tests have revealed traces of a variety of compounds which are heavily restricted for both health and environmental reasons. This includes formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause watery eyes; a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; and nausea.”

Not only are the contents concerning, but the long-term use may cause health impacts, says the article, “Experts are concerned that the presence of these chemicals in masks which are being worn for prolonged periods of time could cause unintended health issues.”

And, although those face masks may have the appearance of benign medical grade, they are not. 

The article explains, “But face coverings designed for use by the general public are not regulated and fail to meet the same standards as medical-grade PPE.”

The article also explains that that clean smell is a toxic chemical, 

Professor Michael Braungart, director at the Hamburg Environmental Institute, “Formaldehyde is the chemical which gives the ‘clean’ smell when a new pack of masks is opened. He also found aniline, a known carcinogen.”

And Professor Braungart explained the hidden dangers of the blue masks, “‘In the case of the blue-colored surgical masks, we found cobalt – which can be used as a blue dye. “

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5 Comments

  1. I 100% agree with health concerns surrounding masks. This realization came to me about a year ago at H-E-B as I was looking in the mirror while washing my hands. Long-duration breathing through fibrous plastic… That can’t be good. I’ve seen firsthand the mitigation steps necessary to limit asbestos exposure and here we are forcing our kids to snort it. That’s crazy! — But that’s not really why I’m responding….

    I have zero trust in the SMCISD Board of Trustees. Last night’s special meeting was a complete sham. They sent out a text message at 10:32 linking to a survey. Nowhere in the message does it indicate when the survey will close. Buried within the text of a page long message was the notice about last night’s meeting. So parents would have needed to stop everything at work to read the message in detail to understand what is going on. — I feel that these facts probably heavily skewed the survey results toward anyone with prior notice and compromised intentions.

    Luckily (sadly) a few parents did make it to last night’s meeting. I tallied up the results. It was six to one against mask mandates. The one parent supporting the mandate had a child entering kindergarten and used an illogical & unscientific emotional plea.

    Dr. Julie Fisher, a pediatrician at the peds office we use, also gave her professional opinion. Her stance appeared to be at odds with other sources of medical data. She said that the ‘delta variant’ is more deadly than the other versions of Rona. I’m sure she has resources I can’t have access to, but everything I’ve read is that the fatality rate from delta is actually lower. Reporting from the Official San Antonio COVID-19 Surveillance page indicates weekly deaths have dropped to statistically-insignificant, single digit, levels. Moreover, reporting out of the UK adds another layer as PM Boris Johnson has dropped All COVID restrictions (see WSJ article linked below). The only way I could resolve her stance is if she is looking exclusively at children. But since Rona-1 didn’t impact kids at all, that is like saying its more deadly because it went from zero deaths to one. There is no perspective just fear. — I respectfully invite her to add to her testimony by providing sources and actual numbers. Let us make a fully informed decision.

    Credit to Ms. Cantu for shutting down disruptive trustees and Ms. Hansen for asking reasoned questions. Unfortunately, everything I have written thus far has been completely irrelevant to the decision made last night. The board knew what was happening before they heard anything from anyone. They were not going to be swayed. Double-DWI-Arrestee Juan Miguel Arredondo being the one to call for a vote was just the icing on the cake. He went as far as to repeatedly interrupt discussion. Arredondo’s behavior highlights how little the board cared what parents, students, the District Superintendent, or even other trustees think.

    This would be my daughter’s third year in a SMCISD school. Each year has been a goat rodeo. From not calling us, the parents, to clarify expectations and forcing her to walk home instead of attending an enrolled after school program despite my daughter’s protest to repeated last minute changes to Rona response. This district is a mess. They don’t prioritize education or the mental wellbeing of our children. It appears this board is more interested in sticking it to the Governor than overseeing our schools.

    I am squarely in the same camp as the majority of the people that testified last night. The school district isn’t performing, and the trustees aren’t moving to correct the issues. I am looking at it from the same angle as the gray BW shirt guy (Mr. Butler? Hard to hear.) I don’t need my kids attending SMCISD. I can afford to find other resources. It is just a matter of moving dates forward. It was part of our long-run plans anyway.

    — Robert Holeman

    ___________________________________________________
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/fresh-u-k-covid-19-data-boosts-hopes-that-delta-variant-can-be-held-in-check-11628674201
    https://smcorridornews.com/smcisd-board-trustee-arrested-for-driving-while-intoxicated-thursday/

    1. Why can’t you say “god”?

      If I’m reading your post correctly you are saying god willed masks which is not only weird for someone that can’t say “god,” but also violates basic dogma if you believe we were created in god’s own image. Then there is something about “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” Meaning god designed us to be free.

      So… Please explain. Why can’t you say “god” but appear to give him credit for this order that arguably goes against god’s will. — Socially, politically, religiously, scientifically… This order makes no sense.

  2. Robert Holeman, it’s very common for some religious traditions to hyphenate the name of god, as a sign of deep respect. There are explanations online, easily found through a google search if you’re interested in learning more.

    1. If that’s what you believe. I guess it’s a practice in some Jewish sects. It has always been my understanding that for the Abrahamic religions that are prominent in this nation, “God” isn’t the real name of god. It is a pronoun. Normally capitalized to show respect. It is so commonly used that it is literally the 4th word of the bible/Torah.

      Odd but to each there own.

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