Philips massively recalled four types of respirators in July 2021. The group then reported that gases and particles could be released from a sound-dampening foam under certain conditions and could be swallowed or inhaled. That could pose a risk for long-term cancers. At the end of 2022, Philips assured after a test phase that the devices still fell within safety standards and were “unlikely” to cause harm.
The French civil parties added a private investigation to their complaint. According to them, this “completely contradicts the guarantees of Philips”. The French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products also went to court against Philips. According to the agency, the Dutch company had failed to replace the devices.
In Europe, the machines are used by one and a half million people, including Belgian patients. The FAMHP already communicated in July 2021 that “the safety risk does not outweigh the medical risks that can arise if the treatment is stopped”. High temperatures or humidity, which aggravate the release of the particles, would “most likely not be an issue” in Belgium.