Misinformation in the health care community can be deadly, especially amidst a global health crisis.

One recent case of misinformation linked wearing disposable masks to harmful levels of carbon dioxide (C02) in pediatric participants.

The article, published in the Journal of American Medical Association: Pediatrics edition, was retracted a week after its publication due to inaccurate research. This left a need for accurate insight into the subject.

Dr. Patrick Brooks, assistant professor of biomedical sciences at Missouri State University, and Dr. Jill Layman, assistant professor in MSU’s School of Anesthesia, are working to provide real data.

MSU researchers step in

While the original study focused on C02 levels behind the mask of an individual, Brooks and Layman’s study will measure the concentration of C02 in subjects’ exhaled air. The exhaled level of C02 correlates with the level of CO2 in the body.

This exhaled air will be collected by a nasal cannula, the small plastic tube commonly worn to deliver oxygen to pediatric and adult patients.

“We are very fortunate at Missouri State to have advanced technology, including an anesthesia machine with all of the monitoring capabilities, that will allow us to conduct research here on campus,” Layman said.

The study’s protocol recently received Institutional Review Board approval, meaning the researchers will move forward with their work soon.

Participate in the study

Brooks and Layman hope to recruit 80 adult and 80 child subjects for the research effort.

“The study is set up in a way that will allow parents and children to participate,” Brooks said. “It’s important to note that the monitoring devices involved are harmless, which we hope to make clear by walking parents and children through the use of them together.”

Consent will be obtained from all adults who wish to participate, and parents will need to provide consent for their children.

In addition, researchers will obtain “assent” from the children, meaning they will explain the study to the children and obtain their permission.

The research study is expected to begin within the next two weeks after recruiting test subjects.

Participate in the study