Mould treatment caused leather sofa complaints
28/05/2008
Media across the United Kingdom have again reported high levels of consumer complaints over leather sofas imported from China by retailers including Argos and Land of Leather.
The situation first came to light last autumn and was reported in leatherbiz.com at the time, but media interest became intense again when a news agency reported the case of a baby who suffered serious skin complaints after coming into contact with one of the sofas.
One of the retailers involved, Argos, has told leatherbiz.com that it has apologised to affected customers and ceased dealing with the supplier the furniture came from, Chinese manufacturer Linkwise.
When it became aware that some customers were experiencing a skin reaction after coming into direct contact with the upholstery, Argos withdrew potentially affected items from sale voluntarily. It offered customers a refund or an appropriate alternative product.
“We have been conducting a detailed investigation into this issue since we were first made aware of it,” the company added. “We have now been informed by the expert consultant dermatologist, whom we appointed to advise us, that the likely cause was sachets found within the sofas containing an anti-mould agent called Dimethyl Fumarate. This is a chemical with preservative qualities that diminishes over time. Chances of re-exposure should be minimal and therefore people should not experience any further problems.”
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