A chemical banned in Europe since 2009 is still approved for use here.
The chemical – dimethylfumarate (DMF) – is a biocide used to prevent mould growth. But its use in products such as shoes and couches has resulted in severe allergic reactions in hundreds of consumers, according to the European Commission.
In 2008 the BBC reported that over 1000 people claimed to have suffered skin rashes and chemical burns as a result of DMF in Chinese-made leather couches. The couches had been packed with sachets containing DMF to prevent the leather from getting mouldy during storage and shipment from China. The "toxic sofa" case resulted in court action being taken by affected consumers.
The EU adopted a one-year ban on DMF in 2009. This ban was extended in 2010 and again recently. The European Chemicals Agency is also evaluating evidence that may lead to a permanent ban.
Lack of market surveillance means it's not known how widely DMF is used in products here. In light of the EU's decision, we want regulatory authorities to review this chemical’s status.
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