According to a scientific report published July 18 on nature.com, 109 participants took part in a study on face masks. Although most identified microbes were non-pathogenic in humans different fungi and bacteria were found in this study such as ; Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Cladosporium,and several pathogenic microbes; Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Aspergillus, and Microsporum.
“Several research groups have demonstrated its effectiveness against the respiratory viral transmission before the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing lines of evidence have supported the effectiveness of wearing face masks against SARS-CoV-2 and the droplets. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that face masks are effective only when used with hand hygiene, the proper use, and disposal of masks.”
View full scientific report here.