Exposure dose and significance of platinum and platinum salts in breast implants

The objectives of this study were to illustrate and inform key scientific issues, as determined from the peer-reviewed literature, that are critical to developing an accurate understanding of the current state of knowledge regarding platinum (Pt) in medical devices (ie, breast implants). The author identified most studies for inclusion via a PubMed database search; she extracted descriptive statistics from the studies. The author calculated Pt and Pt salt exposure doses for environmental and occupationally related samples. She observed that a number of samples elicited biological effects over a wide range of concentrations. A single silicone breast implant may be expected to contain higher Pt and Pt salt doses than have produced adverse health effects in humans. The author posits a biologically plausible rationale for Pt salt-related health problems in women that have been exposed to silicone breast implants.