Philips has been warned since 2016 that the group should use different foams for sleep apnea devices. It then took five years before the company took action.
NRC reports that based on a certificate and confidential e-mails from ongoing proceedings in America.
For years, Philips used bulk polyester foam to line the inside of its respirators. It appears from the American reports, at the request of Philips itself, that it was already reported in 2016 that the foam in the devices could disintegrate. Patients could therefore swallow or inhale foam particles. Chemicals can also be released.
After Philips was again warned in 2018 to switch to other foams, the company did not announce until June 14, 2021 that the devices could cause ‘serious to life-threatening injuries’.
The share of Philips then collapsed by no less than 60 percent, from approximately 50 to 18 euros. 27 billion euros of market value was lost. In addition, Philips is involved in numerous lawsuits.
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