On June 14th, 2021, Philips announced a voluntary recall for millions of its Philips continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), BiLevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) devices and mechanical ventilators, because the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam used to dampen sound and vibration while devices are operating may break down, releasing particles and gases that are harmful if swallowed or inhaled. If these particles or gases enter the body through the nose or mouth, they can cause a variety of health issues.
“These issues can result in serious injury, which can be life-threatening, cause permanent impairment, and require medical intervention to prevent permanent damage, ” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in its Safety Communication.
Philips’ lab analysis found degraded foam produced several potentially harmful chemicals, including:
- Toluene diamine: Compound used to make polyurethane, dyes, hydraulic fluid and sensitizers for explosives. Health hazards include: genetic defects, skin reactions, toxicity, cancer, damaged fertility and organ damage.
- Toluene diisocyanate: Liquid for making foams and coatings. Health hazards include: Cancer, eye damage, skin irritation, respiratory irritation and may be fatal if inhaled.
- Diethylene glycol: Solvent used in the manufacturing of other chemicals that can irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes and may be slightly toxic if swallowed.
- Dimethyl diazene: Gas used to create other chemicals.
- Phenol, 2,6-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-(1-methylpropyl): Another gas used in the production of other chemicals.
Potential symptoms of foam particle inhalation or ingestion include:
- Airway irritation and inflammation
- Skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation
- Inflammatory response
- Cough
- Headache
- Sinus infection
- Asthma
- Upper airway irritation
- Chest pressure
- Organ damage (liver, kidney and others)
- Carcinogenic effects
Health risks related to inhaling toxic gases emitted by the foam include:
- Airway inflammation
- Airway irritation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin, eye, nose and respiratory tract irritation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hypersensitivity
- Carcinogenic and toxic effects
Who Qualifies to File a Lawsuit?
Anyone who used a recalled Philips Bi-PAP, CPAP or ventilator and suffered any of the following health problems, or those who lost loved ones because of these injuries may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
- Acute Respiratory Distress System (ARDS)
- Bladder Cancer
- Brain Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Chemical Poisoning
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Hematopoietic Cancer
- Kidney Cancer, Kidney/Renal Damage, Kidney/Renal Disease
- Leukemia
- Liver Cancer/Liver Damage/Liver Disease
- Lung Cancer/Lung Damage/Lung Disease
- Lymphatic Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Nasal Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Papillary Carcinoma
- Pleural Effusion
- Prostate Cancer
- Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)
- Rectal Cancer
- Respiratory Failure
- Severe Ear, Nose and/or Throat Inflammation
- Stomach Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with any of the above injuries and have used one of the recalled products, we urge you to complete and submit this form, or call us toll free at 877-704-7674. We will evaluate your potential claim at no charge.
What Does It Cost To Find Out If I Have A Case?
Nothing. Call us toll free at (877) 704-7674 for a free case evaluation. You’ll speak to a lawyer with more than 30 years of experience, not a case screener. We will take the time to discuss your case and your legal options. If your case proceeds to the investigation and litigation phase, we cover those costs. We are paid for our time and repaid for case expenses only if you make a financial recovery in the form of a settlement or verdict.