HPRA Warns Irish Women Over Breast Implant Contamination

Up to 980 Irish women may have received breast implants manufactured by a company whose products have been suspended due to concerns over potential contamination, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has said.

Health authorities recently carried out an inspection of the Silimed manufacturing plant in Brazil.

They discovered the presence of contaminated particles on the surface of some of the medical devices.

However, the HPRA said there has been no indication to date that the issues could post a threat to an implanted person's safety.

EU Health regulators have begun testing products samples to establish if there are any health risks.

It is understood only breast implants, gluteal implants and tissue expanders have been supplied to the Irish market.

The HPRA is working with the distributor to identify if the supplied products are affected by the issues under review.

The Authority said the measures being introduced are precautionary, but any concerned individuals should contact their surgeon or clinic.

(LM/CD)