Philips CPAP Machines Potentially Linked to Liver Cancer

Philips CPAP machines and other recalled devices have been identified as potential sources of liver cancer due to the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as sound abatement foam breaks down.

Potential carcinogens identified from the degradation of the sound abatement foam include:

1. TDA (toluene diamine): TDA is a chemical that can be released during the breakdown of polyurethane foams; it is known for its use in the manufacture of polyurethane and other chemicals, potentially leading to respiratory issues and skin irritation when inhaled.
2. TDI (toluene diisocyanate): TDI is commonly used in the production of flexible polyurethane foams, which can off-gas from degrading foam in CPAP devices, causing severe respiratory problems and is a known carcinogen.
3. DEG (diethylene glycol): This compound may be emitted from breakdown products of foam adhesives and sealants used in manufacturing CPAP devices; DEG exposure is toxic to humans, potentially causing kidney and neurological damage.
4. DCM (dichloromethane): Often used as a solvent in the production of plastics and pharmaceuticals, DCM can be released from the breakdown of foam components in CPAP devices and is associated with cancer and central nervous system effects.

Chronic exposure to these carcinogens may lead to the accumulation of toxic substances in the liver, increasing the risk of liver cancer.

Do Philips Respironics Ventilator, CPAP, and BiPAP Devices Cause Cancer?

Researchers are currently investigating the association between the use of Philips CPAP machines, BiPAP machines, and Ventilator devices and cancer incidence in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Assessing the cancer risk associated with the use of recalled Philips CPAP devices is challenging due to the recent nature of the recall and the complexity of linking specific device defects to health outcomes, particularly when considering the long latency periods typical of many cancers.

Scientific research faces difficulties in isolating the effects of volatile organic compounds emitted by the defective foam, as these studies require long-term data and robust methodologies to accurately discern and attribute risks.

Regardless, scientists and health professionals are concerned about the presence of harmful substances and foam particles in the defective nature of these devices, as certain VOCs found to emit from the recalled Philips CPAP machines have been linked to carcinogenic effects.

The study “Cancer Risk Associated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: A National Study” (2022) analyzed data from the MAUDE database following a 2021 FDA recall of CPAP devices due to potential cancer risks from degraded sound abatement foam, revealing that of 2571 reported injuries, 209 were cancer cases, with the vast majority reported after the recall.

A February 2024 report from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showed that the MAUDE database has received more than 116,000 medical device reports of foam breaking down in Philips CPAP machines.

The FDA says now that 561 deaths are now linked to recalled Philips sleep apnea machines.

The development of cancer after using recalled CPAP machine is hotly debated, and more scientific research is needed to understand the full scope of potential health risks associated with exposure to volatile organic compounds and other byproducts released from the degrading polyurethane foam used in these devices.

VOCs in Recalled Philips CPAP Machines Linked to Health Problems

The VOCs found in the emissions of the recalled CPAP devices, including TDA (toluene diamine), TDI (toluene diisocyanate), DEG (diethylene glycol), DCM (dichloromethane), and others, may be linked to carcinogenic effects through various mechanisms.

TDA is a compound used in the production of polyurethane foam that has been associated with cancer based on animal studies, prompting concerns about its potential carcinogenicity in humans, although direct epidemiological evidence in humans is lacking.

TDI, another constituent of polyurethane foam, has been identified as a potential carcinogen, particularly in occupational settings where prolonged exposure increases the risk of respiratory cancers such as lung cancer.

DEG, commonly used as a solvent in various industries, has been linked to liver damage and kidney injuries, as it can potentially disrupt cellular processes and induce oxidative stress.

DCM, a solvent present in the foam, has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), with evidence suggesting its involvement in liver and lung cancers through metabolic activation and genotoxicity.

Collectively, VOCs from the recalled CPAP devices may pose a significant health risk.

Health Problems Potentially Linked to the Philips CPAP Recall

Philips CPAP and other similar respiratory devices can potentially cause health issues due to the degradation of polyurethane foam used in these machines, which may release particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when it breaks down.

Users may inhale or ingest these particles and gases during device operation, potentially leading to respiratory irritation, toxic effects, and an increased risk of cancer.

PE PUR foam in Philips Respironics Machines may be linked to health problems and diseases, including:

• Lung Cancer
• Lung Disease
• Liver Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Reactive Airway Disease (RAD)
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
• Organ damage
• Other types of cancer

Lawsuits have been filed on behalf of consumers who claim they were harmed by the recalled Philips Respironics CPAP machines, BiPAP machines, and ventilators.

If you or a loved one used a Philips CPAP Machine, BiPAP Machine, or other recalled Philips devices, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Philips CPAP Lawsuit instantly.

An Overview of the Philips CPAP Recall and Subsequent Legal Action

In June 2021, Philips issued a recall that encompassed millions of sleep and respiratory care devices found to potentially pose serious health risks due to defective sound abatement foam.

Made from polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR), the foam was found to degrade over time, potentially releasing harmful particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the device’s air pathway.

The health concerns linked to these emissions include respiratory issues, toxic and carcinogenic effects, and other serious health problems.

Following the recall, Philips Respironics faced significant scrutiny, leading to numerous lawsuits filed by individuals who alleged harm from the use of the recalled devices.

Philips CPAP Lawsuits claim that the manufacturer was aware of the risks associated with the foam degradation for years before the recall was issued but failed to adequately warn users or take prompt corrective action.

A multidistrict litigation (MDL) was established to handle the large number of cases.

Philips CPAP Lawsuits aim to hold the company accountable and seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages for those affected.

What Philips Respironics Devices Were Recalled?

Philips Respironics issued a recall for several devices due to issues with the PE-PUR sound abatement foam.

Recalled CPAP, BiPAP, and Ventilator devices were distributed to consumers between 2009 and April 26, 2021.

The company recalled several individual models of:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines
• Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machines
• Mechanical ventilators

Recalled CPAP machines include:

• C-Series ASV (ventilator)
• C-Series S/T and AVAPS
• DreamStation
• DreamStation ASV
• DreamStation Go
• DreamStation ST, AVAPS
• C-Series ASV (ventilator)
• C-Series S/T and AVAPS
• Dorma 400
• Dorma 500
• OmniLab Advanced+
• REMstar SE Auto
• SystemOne ASV4
• SystemOne (Q-Series)

Recalled BiPAP machines include:

• A-Series BiPAP A30
• A-Series BiPAP A40 (ventilator)
• A-Series BiPAP Hybrid A30
• A-Series BiPAP V30 Auto (ventilator)

Other mechanical ventilator devices

• E30
• Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent (ventilator)

Philips also recalled certain Trilogy Evo ventilators distributed from April 15, 2021 to May 24, 2021 with specific serial numbers (Trilogy 100 and 200).

Do You Qualify for the Philips CPAP Liver Cancer Lawsuit?

Lawsuits have been filed against Philips Respironics by individuals who developed cancer and other serious health problems allegedly from using the company’s recalled CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator devices.

Health problems potentially caused by these recalled machines can drastically reduce quality of life, leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens for affected individuals and their families.

Lawyers are actively investigating these claims and working to establish the link between recalled Philips devices and the onset of severe health problems.

If you or a loved one have developed cancer or other health problems after using a recalled CPAP machine, BiPAP machine, or ventilator made by Philips Respironics, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Reach out to our law firm for a free case review, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Philips CPAP Lawsuit instantly.

Experienced lawyers will guide you through the process of filing a Philips CPAP Machine Lawsuit and seeking compensation for your injuries, helping you gather evidence and assess damages in your case.

Gathering Evidence for the Philips CPAP Machine Lawsuit

Evidence is extremely important in personal injury cases for defective and dangerous medical devices.

Your lawyer can help you gather and retain key evidence, but this is a step you can potentially start on your own.

Possible evidence in Philips CPAP Lawsuits includes:

• Medical records
• Prescription records (if you were prescribed CPAP therapy)
• The recalled device itself
• Medical device reports
• Information on your recalled Philips CPAP Machine
• Notes from your doctor
• Any other proof of Philips CPAP use and subsequent injury

Assessing Damages for the Philips CPAP Lawsuit

Damages are the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of using and being injured by a Philips CPAP, BiPAP, or Ventilator device.

Your lawyer can help assess and calculate damages in your case, seeking full and adequate compensation for how you have suffered.

Possible damages in an individual Philips CPAP Lawsuit may include:

• Medical expenses and medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional damages
• Lost wages
• Lost earning ability
• Permanent disability
• Loss of consortium
• Other compensatory and punitive damages

TorHoerman Law: Philips CPAP Lawyers

Millions of Philips CPAP machines, BiPAP machines, and ventilators were recalled due to the risk posed by degrading foam used in these devices.

The breakdown of sound abatement foam in these devices may be linked to a range of serious health conditions.

If you or a loved one used a defective and recalled device made by Philips Respironics and subsequently developed cancer or other health problems, you may be eligible to file a Philips CPAP Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for a free case review to see if you qualify for the Philips CPAP Lawsuit instantly.

Reach out to our team today to discuss your legal options. We’re here to help you.