HEALTH

Dow Corning Wants Panel to Help Value Claims: The Midland, Mich.-based silicone manufacturer said it wants a federal bankruptcy judge to appoint a panel of medical experts to help determine the value of thousands of breast implant claims against the company. The proposal, if approved by Judge Arthur Spector, could create a framework for a Dow Corning reorganization plan, company spokesman T. Michael Jackson said. Dow Corning Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last May, under the weight of thousands of lawsuits alleging that the company’s breast implants caused immune system and other health problems. The action froze litigation against the firm and has forced breast implant claims to be resolved through the Bankruptcy Court in Bay City, Mich., about 20 miles from Dow Corning headquarters.