Potential Health Risks Including Cancers and Organ Failure Associated with Products
Written by: Lauren Schwab, Legal Assistant
Law Offices of Thomas J. Lamb, P.A.
Back in April 2021, Philips released a safety update regarding issues with an unidentified component in some of the Philips Sleep and Respiratory Care products portfolio.
Thereafter, on June 14, 2021, Philips issued a recall notification for specific Philips breathing devices that contained a sound abatement foam component used in certain of its Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices, BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiLevel PAP) devices, and Mechanical Ventilators.
According to a June 2021 article, "Philips issues recall involving sleep and respiratory care devices", the majority of those Philips breathing devices covered by this recent Philips recall are in the first-generation DreamStation product family:
According to a news release, the majority of the affected devices within the advised five-year service life are in the first-generation DreamStation product family. The complaint rate registered at 0.03% in 2020, Philips said.
The Amsterdam-based company determined through testing that there are possible risks to users related to the PE-PUR sound abatement foam component, including the possibility of the foam degrading into particles that may enter the device’s air pathway and be ingested by the user.
Additionally, the foam may off-gas certain chemicals and its degradation may be exacerbated by unapproved cleaning methods, such as ozone. High heat and high humidity environments may also contribute to the foam’s degradation.
According to the Philips Communications Page about this Philips breathing devices recall, patients using life-sustaining mechanical ventilator devices should not stop or alter their prescribed therapy until after discussing other options with their physician. Additionally, the website states patients using Bi-Level PAP and CPAP devices can discontinue use and should work with their physician and Durable Medical Equipment provider to determine alternative options for treatment.
__________________________________________________________________
Philips Breathing Device
Free Case Evaluation
Strictly Confidential, No Obligation.
__________________________________________________________________
The previously mentioned June 2021 article, "Philips issues recall involving sleep and respiratory care devices", says Philips currently has no reported deaths in association with the recall, and the company said it is working with the relevant regulatory authorities to remedy the issue:
“We deeply regret any concern and inconvenience that patients using the affected devices will experience because of the proactive measures we are announcing today to ensure patient safety,” Philips CEO Frans van Houten said in the news release. “In consultation with the relevant regulatory agencies and in close collaboration with our customers and partners, we are working hard towards a resolution, which includes the deployment of the updated instructions for use and a comprehensive repair and replacement program for the affected devices. Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do at Philips.”
As previously reported on LambLawOffice.com, due to potential toxic exposure from the sound abatement component used in these Philips products, the most serious possible resulting medical conditions for patients who used one of the recalled Philips Bi-Level PAP devices, Philips CPAP devices, or Philips Mechanical Ventilators are:
Cancers, such as:
— Lung Cancer
— Liver Cancer
— Kidney Cancer
Organ Failures, such as:
— Liver Failure
— Kidney Failure
We are investigating product liability lawsuits against Philips for patients with toxic exposures from the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam component in the Philips products recalled in June 2021. These Philips breathing devices lawsuits could be personal injury cases or wrongful death cases, depending on the facts.
If you or someone you know used one of the recalled Philips Bi-Level PAP, Philips CPAP, or Philips Mechanical Ventilator devices and, in turn, developed cancer or experienced organ failure, we are providing free case evaluations for possible lawsuits against Philips. You can use our online Philips Breathing Devices Case Evaluation Form or, if you prefer, call us on our toll-free number, 800-426-9535.
Drug Injury Watch: Side Effects News & Reports
Drug Injury Law: Medical & Legal Information