Brenntag Says It Made No Mistakes in Silicon Delivery to PIP

German chemical distributor Brenntag said its deliveries of industrial silicon to the now-defunct French breast implant manufacturer PIP were properly executed. "We confirmed in our order acknowledgements the exclusive industrial use of the products (including Personal Care)," the company wrote in a press release. Rather than using comparatively expensive medical-grade silicon, Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) filled its implants with industrial-grade, allegedly saving the company millions of euros. Many of the implants have ripped, causing the possibly carcinogenic substance to leak into the bodies of the affected women. About 300,000 women worldwide are reported to have such implants.

According to Brenntag, customers are provided with safety data sheets and specifications on all necessary information. Inquiries from the French authorities were fully answered in April 2010, the company said. The company said it has since not received any further inquiries, but will continue to cooperate should new information be necessary.