Breast Implants!!! Is There A Choice???

The hazards of ALL breast implants are listed below:

The Elastomer or Trilucent shell that holds the contents of all implants was first made in 1950. Dow Chemical agreed to conduct annual chest x-rays of the workers exposed to the silica as they knew that under certain conditions, exposure "will cause significant change in the lungs". Fibrosis of the lungs is caused from silica.

In about 1953, scientist, H.C. Spencer, identified and listed such adverse effects as breathing difficulties, central nervous system disorders, depression, and neuromuscular co-ordination problems.

In 1965, it was noted by Spencer (now Dow Chemical's own highly placed scientist) that "At the present time very little is known on the toxicity of various treated silicas at Dow Corning". It was also noted that silicon compounds caused the death of laboratory animals when administered in various ways.

The Japanese were aware of the high toxicity of silicone in the late 1940's and 1950's. They noted the high incidence of contamination by heavy metals that were used as catalysts in the manufacturing process of silicone gels of North American origin.

Dow Chemical experimented with silicone gels and other silicon compounds in the 1960's and 1970's. They found that silicon had amazing adjuvant properties and made very effective pesticides but, due to its highly toxic nature, could not be marketed in these areas. Silicone gels were banned by the FDA in 1963 because they caused devastating damage to human tissue.

In 1992, silicone gel implants were banned in Canada and the United States. There is a good chance, however, that they may be reinstated through the lobbying of various groups who appear to be bankrolled by the pharmaceutical corporations that manufacture breast implants. Saline implants are freely available. One company, Mentor, plans to sell 2200 pairs in 1998 in B.C. alone. Saline breast implants are not safe. It is only a matter of time before we will see thousands of young women fall prey to devastating health problems stemming from saline breast implants.

Experimental soy bean oil breast implants, which are touted as being harmless, are shaping up to be the most devastatingly dangerous implants of all!

Women all over the world have been and will be harmed by these dangerous devices. It is time for the government, women's groups, and the medical fraternity to get off the fence and remove these inherently dangerous and flawed devices from the market forever.

Sincerely,

Adella Matthew

President