This is due to “identified potential health risks” from their use. According to the manufacturer, the foam used to make the machines quieter can degrade and enter the respiratory tract, reportedly becoming toxic and possibly leading to cancer.
According to Philips CEO Frans van Houten, a total of 3-4 million such devices are affected by the recall.
The company is recalling such devices in the US and at the same time calling for their use to be suspended worldwide. In the case of the various breathing devices used at home – accounting for 80% of all recalls – Philips is calling on users to temporarily suspend their use.
For ventilators used to maintain vital functions, including those for patients with COVID-19, the company recommends that physicians assess whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks in each case. The company has set aside €500 million for the cost of this situation.
soruce: reuters.com
