Wearing a face mask cannot lead to carbon dioxide poisoning, even in people with lung disease, researchers report. The findings counter claims that wearing face masks to prevent spread of the new coronavirus may put some people's health at risk. … The study -- published online Oct. 2 in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society -- found "that the effects [of wearing masks] are minimal at most even in people with very severe lung impairment," said lead author Dr. Michael Campos.