Sofa burns lead to EU chemical ban

A CHEMICAL used in leather goods such as sofas and shoes which caused burn-like blisters and rashes is to be banned throughout the EU.

DMF (dimethylfumarate) is found in sachets shipped with leather goods to keep them from developing mould in warmer temperatures.

Its use has been banned in Europe for some time but not from goods imported from other countries.

About two years ago a major Chinese manufacturer of leather sofas and chairs began placing the chemical crystals inside the furniture, and it led to an outbreak of skin complaints.

Some of the injuries were horrific, with weeping wounds, rashes, blisters and what appeared to be burn marks with limbs swelling and even in some rare cases, blood poisoning.

Animals too have been affected with reports of them losing their fur from coming in contact with the chemical that seeps through the leather and into the skin.

In Britain, more than 1,300 people are taking a class action against the manufacturers that their lawyers, Russel Jones Walker, says could cost up to €5m in damages.

Several Irish consumers also complained of suffering a reaction from the leather furniture and Argos and World of Leather withdrew the makes though each denied it was responsible for any problems.

In December France and Belgium banned any imports of seating and footwear containing DMF, and Spain is now preparing to follow suit.

Because of the number of complaints from all over the EU, member states have now agreed to introduce a union-wide ban.

EU Consumer affairs Commissioner Meglena Kuneva announcing the ban said: “The ban on the use of DMF in all consumer goods is designed to eliminate the serious health risks and in particular the severe allergic reactions suffered by some consumers when they are exposed to this chemical simply by using everyday leather goods.”

It should come into force within the next two months.