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How Can CPAP Machines Cause Cancer?
Normally, these machines don’t cause cancer. In fact, people with sleep apnea who use CPAP or BiPAP mechanical ventilator machines can reduce their risk of cancer and other health problems.
However, CPAP and BiPAP ventilator machines involved in the recall contain polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam — used to dampen sound and vibration while devices are operating — that may break down, increasing the cancer risk to Rhode Island residents.
According to Philips, particles and gases released by the recalled machines and mechanical ventilators could cause cancer and other toxic effects if they enter the body.
Side Effects & Injuries
Philips Respironics has received reports of possible patient impact due to foam degradation in recalled machines.
The potential health risks of particulate exposure in a defective sleep apnea machine from Philips, sleep apnea machines, ventilator devices, and other similar medical devices include:
- Headache
- Irritation
- Inflammation
- Chest pressure
- Respiratory issues
- Toxic effects
- Cancer (carcinogenic effects)
- Other health issues
Potential risks of chemical exposure due to Philips breathing machines off-gassing include:
- Headache
- Irritation
- Hypersensitivity
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sinus infection
- High blood pressure
- Toxic effects
- Carcinogenic effects
Are Lawsuits Being Filed?
Rhode Island residents are filing a Philips CPAP machine recall lawsuit because the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam in recalled ventilator devices may cause cancer and serious respiratory problems.
Individual injury lawsuits filed by Rhode Island residents seek compensation for injuries and claim Philips manufactured defective breathing machines but didn’t warn the public of the risk of being diagnosed with cancer from a sleep apnea machine.
A handful of lawsuits demand that Philips pay for the cost of replacing sleep apnea devices.
Lawsuit Alleges Philips Breathing Machines Caused Man to be Diagnosed With Cancer
In a recently filed lawsuit, a Rhode Island man alleges he developed pancreatic cancer from a Philips DreamStation, indicating that he was exposed to toxic chemicals and debris from the deteriorating sound abatement foam inside the sleep apnea machine.
The complaint was filed by Plaintiff John Wagner in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on April 18, 2022, joining other Rhode Island residents who used the recalled machines who are now pursuing damages for medical expenses against Koninklijke Philips and its U.S. subsidiaries.
Wagner indicates he was prescribed use of the Philips DreamStation for treatment of his sleep apnea in 2017, and used it on a daily basis.
However, he developed cancer in January 2021, which he directly links to breathing particles and debris released by the sleep apnea machine’s sound abatement foam.
“Plaintiff’s use of the subject device caused the development and progression of his cancer,” the complaint states. “Plaintiff’s development and progression of his pancreatic cancer, as a result of his use of the subject device, necessitated treatment resulting in adverse effects, limitations, and sequelae, as well as the need for continuous future medical care and treatment.”
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Philips Recall Lawsuit in Rhode Island: No Fees Unless We Collect For You
If you've been injured by a Philips breathing machine or ventilator, we will represent all persons involved in Philips recall Rhode Island claims on a contingency basis, meaning our lawyers never charge legal fees unless we win compensation in your Philips ventilator recall case against Royal Philips.
For a free no-obligation consultation, please fill out our short online contact form and one of our personal injury attorneys serving Rhode Island clients will contact you to answer any of your questions.
Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Rhode Island Philips CPAP Lawyers
The Dangerous Medical Device Litigation Group at our Rhode Island law firm is an experienced team of lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer after using a recalled sleep apnea device or ventilator machine, you should contact our law firm immediately.
Rhode Island clients may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses by filing a lawsuit, and our Rhode Island Philips CPAP Attorneys can help you receive fair compensation.
