Dear Editor:

Signs in Boothbay Harbor “Be Kind Wear A Mask “ are misleading and it’s unconstitutional to force people to wear one.

Masks are health hazards.

They increase the incidence of dental cavities ( Dr. Rob Ramondi), facial skin lesions, dermatitis (Public Health, Ontario) and impetigo a bacterial infection of red sores and can lead to kidney damage (Mayo Clinic).

At an Oklahoma press conference Dr. James Meehan testified “reports coming from my colleagues all over the world are suggesting that the bacterial pneumonia are on the rise” due to moisture collecting in face masks.

Masks are toxic.

Most masks, including cloth, are made with toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, including fire retardant, fiberglass, lead, phthalates, polyfluorinated chemicals and formaldehyde are being inhaled by the wearer. Most are made in China. Why are all the medical centers in Maine using masks made in China?

Masks do not reduce infections.

A CDC funded review of masking in May 2020 concluded: ‘Evidence from 14 randomized controlled trials did not support a substantial effect on transmission of laboratory-confirmed influenza.

A research review of 17 studies in the Journal of Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses states “None established a conclusive relationship between mask use and protection against influenza infection.” The data shows that infections rose at the same or at an increased rate after mask mandates were instituted.

Signs posted “Be Kind Wear A Mask” are insulting to those that choose not to wear one. Are you not a kind person if you do not wear a mask? Where is the supporting data? When in the 20th and 21st century did you have a flu vaccination and had to wear a mask to go grocery shopping? Town officials should remove offensive signs.

Governor Mills needs to stop stalling and open Maine again.

Mary Lou Daxland

Boothbay Harbor