Furniture Association supports "toxic sofa" investigation

The Furniture Association of New Zealand is concerned to hear of the "toxic sofa" situation in the UK. It is urging the government to work together with industry as speedily as possible to investigate whether New Zealanders are at risk.

In the UK, more than 1600 people claim to have suffered skin rashes and sores caused by the chemical Dimethylfumerate – or DMF. UK lawyers estimate that the retailers involved could face paying more than 10 million pounds in compensation and legal costs.

Sachets of DMF had been packed into leather furniture made in China to stop it going mouldy when stored in humid conditions. Body heat causes the chemical to evaporate, penetrating leather and clothing.

Marcia Dunnett, Executive Director of the Furniture Association of New Zealand, said “We are not aware of any of our members using DMF in their furniture for the local market.

“We are ready to give our full co-operation to a government and industry investigation to confirm whether any furniture manufactured in China containing DMF has found its way into New Zealand.”