Europe launches investigation into health risks of faulty breast implants

The European Commission has launched an in-depth scientific investigation into the potential risks to health of faulty breast implants. While preparing to update existing legislation, it will also examine with national authorities how surveillance of medical devices can be strengthened under the present rules.

The initiatives were taken after the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks concluded, in an opinion published on 2 February, that there were insufficient data to draw firm conclusions on the potential health risk to women with Poly Implant Prosthèse (PIP) silicone breast implants.

The committee, an independent advisory body with expertise in …