Evaluation of the Effect of N95/ffp2 Masks on Venous Blood Gas and Clinical Symptoms in Medical Personnel in Work Shifts

Objective: The use of N95/FFP2 masks by Healthcare Providers (HCPs) has increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-term use of N95 respirators by healthcare professionals may cause changes in gas exchange. This study aimed to investigate the effect of N95/FFP2 masks on venous blood CO2 levels and clinical symptoms in medical personnel during work shifts. Method and Materials: In this intervention study, staff working in Imam Khomeini Ahvaz Hospital who used N95/FFP2 masks were included. From the 32 personnel included in the study who did not wear N95/FFP2 masks 2 hours before the start of the work shift, venous blood gas (VBG) samples were taken again after wearing the mask in the middle of the shift (about 4 hours later). Venous gases and clinical symptoms were then compared before and after using the mask. Results: The level of PCO2 before and after using the mask was 42.77±2.68 and 49.39±4.88 mmHg, respectively. After wearing the mask, the level of PCO2 increased significantly (P=0.001). Based on our findings, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of blood pH value before and after masking (P=0.014). Headache and dizziness after wearing the mask were observed in 34.3% and 28.1% of participants, respectively. A significant difference was observed in terms of headache after using the mask (P=0.04), while dizziness after wearing the mask was not significantly different from before using it (P=0.06). Conclusion: Using an N95 respirator for prolonged periods by healthcare professionals may provoke changes in gas exchange. The clinical significance of these changes remains to be determined.