Platinum Found in Silicone Breast Implants

Researchers revealed on Friday a new reason for concern about breast implants with silicon gel, when they found dangerous levels of platinum in the bodies of women who had silicone implants. They reported high levels of platinum in the hair, breast milk and other samples from women who had silicone gel-filled breast implants.

As opposed to other studies which centered on the effects of leaking silicone, this one looked at the effects of the platinum used in their manufacturing. The study looked at samples collected from about 16 women who had their implants for about 14 years, comparing them to samples from 5 women who did not have any implants.

It was shown that the levels of platinum in nails, hair, urine and breast milk were higher in women who had silicone implants. These levels were 100 higher in milk and 1,700 times higher in the urine. The platinum discovered was in a form harmful for people and that made it a potential source of severe allergic or toxic reactions.

The research "shows now that the platinum that is being released is in a harmful reactive form. This is important for women who may have leaking implants in their body and also for young women who are considering breast-feeding their children," said Marlene Keeling, president of the group which financed the research.

The harmful effect of platinum in breast implants was debated since the 1990s, but this study is the first that focuses on the metal, associating it with some severe affections: allergies, asthma, nerve damage and reduced immune responses.