Press Release from Thompsons Solicitors - For Immediate Release
– Official research, published after 2 years, casts doubt on Government claims that PIP implants pose no long-term threat to human health
The official body responsible for regulating healthcare products has made public its research into the toxicity of the controversial PIP breast implants.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has eventually bowed to public pressure to disclose all information relating to the 68 chemical compounds identified in the faulty implants.
The PIP Implants Scotland group has campaigned tirelessly for full disclosure of the official research, which was conducted back in 2010.
The research shows a toxic cocktail of chemicals used to fill the PIP breast implants – including substances normally contained in superglue, petrol and hairspray products, as well as nail varnish remover and paint thinners.
The Government’s final report on the scandal states that the implants, which were made with unauthorised silicone filler, pose no long-term threat to human health.
Spokeswoman for the PiP Implants Scotland campaign group, Trisha Devine, said:
“I’m no chemistry expert but there are lots of dangerous chemicals in these implants.
“I know that Acetone, Ethylbenzene and Toluene are extremely toxic, even in small doses.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise that putting toxic chemicals inside a flimsy container that’s likely to rupture is a recipe for disaster.
“What’s really baffling though is how the Government can say there’s no threat to health for those of us with these ticking time bombs inside us.
“It’s not good enough for Ministers to say that and expect us not to worry when we finally get to read the research that’s been hidden from us for two years.
“We need to re-open the book on this. The Government must address our health concerns.”
Jenny Brown had PiP implants surgery at Transform private clinic. The implants ruptured and were removed in February this year, but it was later discovered that chemicals from the implants had leaked into the lymph nodes under her right arm. Jenny comments:
“Knowing that these horrible chemicals may be coursing about my body is utterly terrifying.
“It was bad enough to learn that my implants ruptured, but now I’m looking at the list of chemicals they contain and I’m wondering how I’m supposed to live without worrying about my long-term health.
“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”Lawyer for the victims and partner at Thompsons Solicitors, Patrick McGuire, commented:
“Getting this information disclosed has been difficult, however the campaign group is determined to uncover the truth behind the official spin.
“With each piece of new information, more questions arise.
“The victims are justifiably worried by this research. The uncertainty of the 68 unknown chemical compounds used in these implants has now been replaced with a terrible realisation that these substances are used in such products as furniture polish, insecticide and superglue.
“The PIP implants scandal has been an unmitigated nightmare for these women, but their resolve to push for these difficult answers is remarkable.
“That’s why we’re helping these women fight the clinics in the court and backing their calls for a full and thorough public inquiry into this scandal in Scotland.
“I’d urge all victims of the PiP scandal to seek legal advice to find out their rights. Anyone affected should call us free on 0800 081 29 24”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS: • To arrange further comments from Trisha Devine, Jenny Brown and/or Patrick McGuire, contact Tim Weir on 07974 262 997
