Philips recalls breathing machines, ventilators, citing potential cancer-causing object

Foam, used to dampen the machines' sound, can degrade and emit small particles that irritate airways, the Philis group said as it announced the recall of 3-4 million sleep apnea machines and ventilators.

The Dutch medical company Philips, one of the largest manufacturers of sleep apnea machines and ventilators, will recall between three-four million machines because of a foam part that might degrade and become toxic, potentially causing cancer. Foam, used to dampen the machines' sound, can degrade and emit small particles that irritate airways, the group said as it announced the recall. Gases released by the degrading foam may also be toxic or carry cancer risks.