The Japan Pediatric Society has advised children to take off face masks if they feel uncomfortably hot, as high temperatures and increased mask use due to the coronavirus pandemic have increased the risk of heatstroke.
Body temperature is normally lowered by sweating and breathing, but covering the mouth with a mask makes it difficult to release heat. Wearing a mask while moving around increases heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature, which can put a strain on the body.
The Japan Pediatric Society's warning to remove masks was included in a list of recommendations posted on its website. Other recommendations for children included: Wear masks on buses, trains and in crowded places when traveling to and from school; avoid shouting when outdoors with friends and face away from each other when speaking; ventilate rooms every 30 minutes, even when using an air conditioner.
As lunchtime is an important time for children to communicate with each other, the society recommends sitting facing each other but with desks spaced one meter apart.
"We want children to understand the importance of wearing masks and to take appropriate infection prevention measures depending on the situation," said Niigata University School of Medicines' Prof. Akihiko Saito, who helped to compile the recommendations.
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