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May 21, 2020 4:13 PM -

Masks problematic for asthmatic, autistic, hearing-impaired people

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A discarded face mask is shown on a street next to a mobile COVID-19 testing clinic in Montreal, Sunday, May 17, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Autism Canada and Asthma Canada are just two of the organizations raising issues about the wearing of face masks.

Even as she was encouraging people to wear masks in public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam warned people not to judge those who can't wear them.

Asthma Canada's president says wearing a mask can trigger asthma symptoms.

Autism Canada says adults and children who have trouble with sensory processing, as well as tactile, olfactory and nervous-system hypersensitivity could face serious challenges in wearing a mask.

Deaf and hearing-impaired Canadians may find the new COVID-19 era more challenging As more people wear face masks to help prevent the spread of the virus, those who rely on reading lips could find their ability to communicate hampered.

People's voices could also be muffled by the face coverings making it harder for the hearing impaired to understand.

The Alaska-based company Rapid Response PPE has developed face masks with clear shields, so hearing-impaired people can see facial cues and lip movement.

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