New sofas to blame for rash of allergies - from China

[ensho]

http://www.smh.com.au/national/new-sofas-to-blame-for-rash-of-allergies-20090411-a3e2.html


AN unexplained rash could be a sign that your couch is making you sick.

A toxic fungicide in imported furniture is behind an outbreak of chronic dermatitis, skin burns, eye irritation and breathing difficulties across the world. Medical experts here are warning consumers to watch for symptoms.

The international journal Allergy has confirmed what thousands of British and mainland European citizens have known for more than a year: new leather sofas imported from China are a hotbed of allergens.

Dimethyl fumarate, in the form of a fine, white crystalline powder, was found in sachets embedded in the furniture sourced to China. It is believed the body heat generated from sitting on a contaminated couch causes a toxic vapour to seep out.

Rosemary Nixon, from Melbourne's Skin and Cancer Foundation, said although there have been no reported cases in Australia, people may not have made a link between a skin outbreak and their couch.

"The rashes can be quite severe, this chemical is a really strong allergen," Dr Nixon said.
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wall board, sofas, baby milk, etc. on and on


local made, local bought - at least we'd know who made the stuff.

[BobRossi]

1. Free trade. YES!

We have sold our souls to China. Thanks Free-Traders!

[Whoa_Nelly]

2. Have to wonder if furniture is the source of my hives

Have had chronic hives since late 2006. Went through a period of terrible breakouts for weeks, and mostly broke out after lying on my, then new, sofa.

Am still on daily antihistamine to prevent outbreaks, but have had a major decrease, almost nonexistent, since last fall.

Sachets in the furniture? Do I need to open up the cushions and take a look?
Have also wondered about the treated wood from furniture made in China.
Found this 2007 DU post:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=1623715&mesg_id=1623890

[Democrats_win]

3. During the Korean War, Chinese solidiers killed Americans. They are our enemies!

Although we have made friends of other enemies, there should be no doubt that China remains our enemy. Don't forget the drywall poisons, the killer milk, and our dead pets. All from the Communist Capitalists in China.

[L0oniX]

6. Damn communists ...and now I must go shopping at Walmart.

[PDJane]

4. I had contact dermatitis for a year.......

when I decided to go with an all-cotton bedspread and pillows, made in the US and Canada, respectively, the dermatitis disappeared.

The comforter I replaced was made in China.

[ensho]

5. wow - interesting

nt

[liberal N proud]

7. More contaminated Chinese shit