Why is Phillips Recalling these Units?

The recalled Philips CPAP and ventilator devices have been linked to an increased risk of airway contamination, chemical exposure, and possible cancer. The problem is related to polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam.  The foam part is used to dampen the sound of the machine

The problems reported with the Philips Respironics BiPAP and CPAP devices are twofold:

 1.       The foam degrades over time.  Particles of the foam may break away and can directly enter the patients’ airways, ultimately lodging in the lungs.

2.       The foam outgases two caustic, toxic chemicals (gasses), which are inhaled by users.  The outgas occurs starting with the first use of a new unit and continues to the last use.

Problem 1 – Foam Dust

When these (PE-PUR) foam dust lodge in the lungs, the human body will react in one of two ways:

1. The body will attempt to encapsulate the dust particle, which would increase the probability of cancer at the site of the particle (lungs).

2. If the body is unable to encapsulate the particle, the dust particle continues to break down and is absorbed in the blood stream, and the foam dust toxins are then passed to every organ and anatomical structure of the human body.

Problem 2 – Toxic Outgas

Philips’ warns doctors that these chemicals can cause airway inflammation, which is particularly dangerous for patients who have reduced cardiopulmonary reserve or underlying lung illnesses and diseases.

The reported toxic “gases” which users of the recalled devices were exposed via inhalation included:

1. Dimethyl Diazine: Other names include: Azomethane; (CH3N)2; 1,2-Dimethyldiazene; Dimethyldiazene

2. Phenol, 2,6-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-(1-methylpropyl) (also called carbolic acid)

How bad are the chemicals in the foam?

Exposure to low doses of Dimethyl Diazine is known to cause a variety of health injuries, especially in the kidneys or liver (including organ failure and cancers in these organs); the kidneys and liver are where Dimethyl Diazine is filtered in the body.

One definite known health risk regarding Phenol is that the substance is highly caustic. Phenol will cause chemical burns on human skin (epithelia cells) if not quickly treated. Epithelia cells are also in the lungs.

Epithelial cells of the lung are located between the outside air and the lung tissue, and help with barrier protection, fluid balance, clearance of particulate, initiation of immune responses, mucus and surfactant production, and repair following injury.