Your original assertion from above was that there was significant evidence that wearing a mask increases your chances of getting sick from a wide range of pathogens. I asked you to provide links to this body of evidence, to which you responded with these links:
First link is a study which essentially has nothing to do with your assertion. It is a study that simply proves that medical masks are much better than cloth masks at preventing infection. No surprise there.
The second link is a study on wether pathogens accumulate on the outer surfaces of masks, after prolonged use. not surprisingly, the mask does what it is supposed to do and filters out the pathogens. As a consequence, the pathogens are trapped on the outer surface of masks. Isn't that what a filter is supposed to do? Fact is, you have more protection wearing a mask over not wearing one.
Yes, you need to exercise care when you remove a mask and avoid touching the outer surfaces during disposal and promptly was your hands.
You haven't proven your assertion.
