Did Your CPAP Cause Cancer?
Philips announced a voluntary recall on June 14, 2021, for its Philips Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Adaptive-Servo Ventilation (ASV), Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-PAP) devices, and mechanical ventilator machines. CPAP is a small machine used to deliver pressurized humidified air via a hose and mask put over the user’s nose or mouth. The purpose of CPAP is to keep the user’s airways open as they sleep. The company claims that CPAP can also decrease episodes of shallow breathing, breathing pauses while sleeping, lessen daytime fatigue and lower the user’s chances of heart disease, vascular disease, and stroke.
If you or a loved one has suffered lung problems, cancer, or other injuries after using one of the recalled Philips machines, you may be entitled to compensation. At Blizzard Greenberg, our exceptional personal injury attorneys can help you determine if filing a CPAP lawsuit is in your best interest.
Why are CPAP Machines Being Recalled?
Philips recalled an estimated 2 to 3 million devices due to a product defect that potentially exposed its users to carcinogens and toxic chemicals. When polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam is broken down in these devices, it releases hazardous particles and gases that can potentially harm a person’s health if inhaled or swallowed. There is no way to avoid the risk of decomposing polyurethane foam if you have used one of these machines.
Here are some chemicals you could be breathing from your CPAP machine:
Benzene – has been linked to certain cancers, including leukemia. May damage a cell’s DNA when inhaled.
Solvents – have been linked to stomach, lung, bladder, and hematopoietic cancer.
Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOs) – has been associated with higher risks for breast, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, prostate, and testicular cancer. These compounds fall under the category of PFAS.
Methylene Chloride or Dichloromethane – has been linked to lung and liver tumors, NHL, brain cancer, and multiple myeloma.
Formaldehyde – has been linked to forms of nasal cancer.
Flame Retardant – has been associated with damage to cellular DNA, learning disabilities, thyroid, and liver cancer.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – have been linked to nasopharyngeal or nasal cancer. Approximately two-thirds of these machines were sold in the U.S.The FDA identifies the CPAP recall as Class 1, the most severe type of recall. According to a statement released by the company, the use of ozone cleaning machines, an unapproved cleaning method, and high heat and humidity can exacerbate the problem.
While the analysis of potential health risks remains ongoing, you should not hesitate to see your primary care physician as soon as possible if you’ve used a Philips breathing device to treat sleep apnea or other respiratory issues. Your doctor will discuss alternative treatments and advise you to immediately stop using the Philips CPAP or other recalled ventilation devices.
CPAP Foam Exposure Symptoms
Over time, the patented sound abatement foam contained in Philips sleep and respiration devices breaks down. When this happens, the foam, made from polyester-based polyurethane, deteriorates and emits toxic gases. When carcinogen-tainted air is funneled into the body, it can lead to several different serious illnesses.
Some immediate symptoms users of these devices may experience include:
- Feeling nauseous
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Inflammation
- Headache
- Hypersensitivity
- Respiratory issues
- Irritation to skin, eyes, or respiratory tract
- Cognitive difficulties
Respiratory issues suffered after using one of these devices may be worse in patients with lung disease.
Some additional injuries caused by absorbing these foam particles include:
- Heart problems
- Liver failure
- Kidney failure
- Respiratory failure
Although the company has received limited reports of health issues and further investigation is warranted, you may be at an increased risk of developing cancer or suffering other injuries if you have used a recalled Philips CPAP machine.
Here are some types of cancers commonly associated with PE-PUR foam particles:
- Leukemia
- Hematopoietic cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Bladder cancer
- Nasal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Lymphatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Multiple myeloma
As of June 14, 2021, there have been no reports of health issues or deaths related to gas emissions from a Philips CPAP machine. However, some users have noticed black particles in the air path circuit. Because the defective CPAP devices may potentially cause cancer, you should speak to your primary care physician as soon as possible.
Can You File a Lawsuit?
If you use any recalled BiLevel PAP or CPAP device, discontinue use altogether and talk to your doctor about the risks of using one of these devices. Your physician can help you make the right care decisions based on your unique circumstances and advise you on what steps should be taken next. Your doctor might also be able to recommend safer alternatives. If you have used a Philips recalled device and suffered health issues, you may consider filing a lawsuit. Injuries such as a cancer diagnosis after using a Philips sleep device, developing respiratory problems, or organ damage may also be included in a potential lawsuit.
Contact Blizzard Greenberg for a free consultation
Filing a lawsuit not only holds Philips accountable for your health or the health of your loved one at risk, but it may also be able to help you pay for any past and future medical expenses. Our lawyers can assist you in evaluating your eligibility for a CPAP lawsuit free of charge. Let our Houston medical device attorneys investigate your claim and help you recover the compensation you desire for your suffering. The deadline to file a claim is limited; talk to one of our exceptional medical device attorneys at Blizzard law as soon as possible. Contact us at 866-560-1867 today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
