Philips recalls ventilators due to health risks

Amsterdam: Dutch medical equipment company Philips has recalled some breathing devices and ventilators because of a foam part that might degrade and become toxic, potentially causing cancer, it said on Monday.

Foam used to dampen the machines' sound can when it degrades turn into small, inhaled particles, irritating airways, the group said as it announced the recall. Gases released by the degrading foam may also be toxic or carry cancer risks. Philips Chief Executive Frans van Houten said between three and four million sleep apnea machines and ventilators would be targeted.