Is your leather sofa making you sick?

We’ve been following some interesting safety news from across the pond. The BBC News in the United Kingdom has been reporting that more than 1,600 people have suffered skin rashes and chemical burns from their new Chinese-made leather sofas. Reports say that one person has died.

After investigation, it was found that the couches were packed with sachets containing dimethly fumarate (DMF), an antifungal agent intended to prevent the leather from getting moldy during storage and shipment from China. The chemical evaporates, penetrating the leather and can transfer to clothing and skin. Even small levels of exposure can cause serious skin sores, blisters, rashes and eye irritation. And some victims have reported that their problems have persisted long after the couch has been put on the curb.

On May 1, the European Union and British governments ordered a recall of all products containing dimethyl fumarate.

We wonder if the problem has worked its way into the North American market since much of our furniture is imported from China. I asked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission if they had received consumer complaints about leather sofas, but they were not aware of any problems.

Unless, that is, you count "Uh, Oh Canada" a recent episode of "King of the Hill" in which a guest complains of getting a rash from sitting on Hank's and Peggy's new sofa. "Probably the petrochemicals in the synthetic fiber," the guest scoffs.

But from what we're hearing, this is nothing to scoff at. If you've experienced any skin rashes that you suspect may be related to new leather furniture, let us know by commenting on this blog. You should also file a complaint with the manufacturer and the CPSC.—Don Mays

Comments

[Janet Betts]

I purchased a leather suite from Harveys in England. First year ok. This year l feel very ill with itching round the back of my neck burning down the spine and really bad kidney pain. I am going to speak to Harveys Monday to see if we can exchange it for another non-leather suite or part-exchange it. I will never buy another leather suite or recommend one, the pain is horrendous.

[sofa short of breath!]

I bought a US made sofa, custom-made to my choice of modules and choice of leather. It took 6 weeks to be delivered, and I was thrilled about it. However, I have found that when I sit on it, I get short-of-breath and have to use my asthma inhaler. I paid a pretty penny for this AMERICAN MANUFACTURED sofa but how will I ever know if they used imported Chinese leather? I have never had a reaction to leather before.

[Tim]

I first bought a microfiber couch from big box retailer, and my eyes had a bad reaction of burning and stinging sensation. I called the store, and they offered to replace the couch. Unfortunately, I chose to replace it with a leather couch, which my eyes have a similiar effect of burning, stinging and itching.

After bringing up this article on a google search and reading others problems, it seems more evident to what is causing my eye irritations. Both couches are products made in China.

Thank you for getting this news out. Wish there was more being done to stop these products from going out the the consumer.

[Christopher Rodgers]

Over the past year I have been in and out of the emergency room, because I dont have regular medical insurance.. I was suffering alot of allergic reactions that started with hives, rashes, trouble breathing burning-tingle to my neck and the allergic reactions where causing diahria and made me mentally and physically tired all the time.. doctors didnt have any ideas what so ever on my symptoms.. Months prior to my medical issues I purchased a leather living room set thru rent-a-center.. I was reading online about everything in my life because Im still SUFFERING allergic reactions and having a MISERABLE life at 24 years old because I itch itch itch anyways I was referred to inform you of my issues!!! Thanks

[Les Root]

I just recently purchased two recliners...both from Laz y Boy. Since delivery both myself and my wife have experienced burning sensation on any skin that touches the leather and a burning sensation in our eyes! I have contacted the retail store...and they are willing to give us credit on another purchase...not a refund! We have had them for only one week in the house. We purchased a leather couch and loveseat last year from another company....no problem experienced with that purchase! The only reason that I decided to go with Laz y Boy is that we owned one of their recliners for 30 years and experienced no problems during that time.

[Dave Hudson]

About 1 month agowe boughtleather furniture, in Canada, made by Palliser. I get itchy as soon as I sit on it; I have been getting a sore throat and sore ears - feels like an infection - could it be the leather?

Regards,

Dave

[Keke]

I recently purchased not leather but more known as microfiber sofa from City Furniture...I haven't stop itching. I thought my dogs had fleas but asked how they get dips and take a monthly pill. Only happens when on sofa....after reading this I am starting to wonder.

[Chris D]

Ok, so some Chinese chair make people sick. The question is, why are you blindly buying Chinese chairs in the first place? Don't give me that " they are all make there" excuse. I live in Canada and we still have leather chairs made here, and they can be bought at Sear or La Z Boy centers. Surely you US folks just have to look harder, and start buying North American.

[Mike McCormack]

I purchased a leather chair from Staples recently. Within a week I developed a skin rash that started on one arm then spread to my entire upper body. 4 doctors and a month later, no one could tell me what was causing the rash. On a whim I moved the chair out of my office and immediately began to get better. The chair was distributed by "true seating concepts" made in the dongguan province of China. If you have one of these chairs, beware.

[Denise]

I purchased new leather theater recliners $4,000 delivered yesturday, Havertys,I can't even be in the same room. The smell is making me sick. Its not a leather smell ,its chemical. I've purchased other leather sofas and items and have never experinced this before. Sales person "It will go away its just the formaldhyde"???? eeek! I think I'll be sending them back.

[Bill Craig]

A couple of years ago I purchased two leather recliners from the Sam's Club auction site...about 1 month apart...both made in China. I used one as my primary seat for watching TV...no problem. Then I changed and started using the other one...skin rash to beat the band. I'm contacting Sam's club to see if they have any helpful info.

[Tim Yeomans]

Although the issue of prevalence of reactions to DMF is relatively easy to follow in Europe (due to it being banned), it is not so easy to find the same information for the US. Therefore the anecdotal evidence presented here is of great interest. For the information of the people reading this blog I include a link which describes a bit more about DMF. http://www.allergystandards.com/newsletters/may2009bulletin.html

[Linda]

I purchased a leather sofa, loveseat, and chair from Value City Furniture. When I sit for more than 10 minutes, my throat starts feeling tight and my eyes burn and turn red. I went to the dermatologist for a strange rash on my face and he didn't know what it was. I contacted Value City to find out where the furniture was made and what chemicals were on/in it, and they have not responded to me. I am very frustrated, because it is obvious I am allergic to this furniture. Anyone else have any similar situations/dealings with Value City?
Thanks!

[Romeo]

I just purchased a leather sofa from Puritan furniture, its has not
been delivered yet. It was made in china, by HTL international. I'll
have to check it out before its delivered.

[Charles]

I object to the off-topic post by Tom Mathews attacking Consumer Reports for reporting results of unbiased testing that for many years has found foreign automobiles to be much more reliable than their domestic counterparts. I bought my last domestic car in 1986, a new Buick, with immediate and persistent problems. The "Big Three" could have done much better much sooner. Their failure is their own doing. I greatly appreciate the unbiased testing and reporting by Consumers Union, including this report on Chinese products.

[MJ]

Bought a leather purse from Target last week. Manufactured in China. The darn thing has a real chemical smell to it. Taking it back this week!

[Steve]

I've been having this exact problem with a recliner I bought several years ago from La-Z-Boy. Whenever I sit on it while wearing shorts, the back of my legs where the leather contacts my bare skin starts to burn after a while. I thought I was just allergic, but now I wonder. I'll try cleaning off that area of the recliner, or just cover it with a throw.

[swpa]

Hey Tom, The US automakers downfall was their own making. After all the major problems we had with US cars over th years, guess what we finally did last year? We bought not only 1 but 2 Hyundais and we couldn't be happier LOL. They're made here in the US anyway.

[William J. Poole]

Could the leather in automobiles be involved with the leather from China problem? I have a 2005 Toyota Avalon with all leather interior. My wife has developed a very itchy rash on her shoulders and on the backside of her shoulders. I have developed a rash in both my armpits. This has been going on for sometime now. How do you find out where the leather came from and how do you find out if the leather is infected?

[Don Miller]

In response to Lori's posting of 6/11, "Can't we just buy AMERICAN?"...

Yes, we can, Lori. It just takes a small effort to find the products. And if they seem to not be readily available, ask around, you WILL find what you're after.

If in doubt, ask your salesclerk for "the country of origin" and if they don't know, ask the Manager or go online with the product information.

We CAN buy American - JUST MAKE THE EFFORT!

[Marcia Hall]

My friend came over last night and sat on my new leather sofa. She called about an hour later asking for Benadryl. She was experiencing itching, skin rashes, welts and swelling of lips and throat. One Benadryl was not enough. She had to have 2 to contain the symptoms. I am mortified that this could be my new sofa causing her problems.

[Ray]

I recently bought a new Lazyboy leather. I have had patch of skin off my right elbow where it rests on the leather armrest. Could this be related to this problem? Have any problems like the above been reported with Lazyboy recliner chairs? I do not have a similar problem where any other skin touches the chair. However, the armrests are made of two separate pieces sewed together - would it be possible that one piece has a problem and the others do not? Of course the elbow issue may have nothing to do with the chair - it is no where as bad as the picture with the original BBC article.

[Dave Moman]

In regards to the posting by Tom Mathews from Jun 11 at 1:48 PM.

First and foremost CR is not obsessed with any make or model of car and if you actually knew anything about how they even go through the process of obtaining their test cars you would not have posted your comment with no regard for checking your facts.

Second, if the American auto makers and their unions had any kind of common sense instead of relying on what they think Americans "need" instead of what lines their pockets the quickest they would have adjusted what products they produced and the quality of those products. I was a firm believer in Ford back when the Taurus was the powerhouse, however, with that being said, they have since missed the boat and are only barely able to maintain a stable lead in the truck business so don't go all holier than though against CR for reporting substandard vehicles and their many flaws. It is hotheaded ill-informed people that start the band rolling and when confronted with facts scream about how it's not true and when the realization hits them they never admit they are wrong or when they do they don't scream as loud as they did before they were informed. Prove me wrong Tom and do your research and then shrill at the top of your lungs about it.

Do you honestly think that a red white and blue blooded American wants to buy from anyone that isn't American? All Americans want is quality at a fair price but when the unions are forcing the issue about getting paid 15 to 25 dollars more an hour than people working at a Japanese plant and are producing crap for vehicles (mostly, although there are a couple of decent cars out there as reported by CR but they are priced much more than the Japanese models) what do you expect the hard working American making much less than a UAW union person to spend their money on? A better car that costs 8 to 10 THOUSAND dollars less or the more expensive car that will break on them? You do the math my friend and in the mean time I'll buy my Honda or Toyota until the big but not so humble three gobble up my tax dollars and continue to produce crap for products.

I included your rather short sighted post so people would know and understand what my rant is and understand that I'm not just throwing rocks at a phantom. Have a nice day Tom.

See Tom's blog below:
Posted by: Tom Mathews | Jun 11, 2009 1:48:36 PM

What will it take for price-driven U.S. consumers (and Consumer Reports) to wise up and stay away from (and not recommend) Chinese-made products?
Your magazine's obsession with foreign-made autos has already contributed to the near destruction of America's major industries along with hundreds of thousands of quality jobs.
Too bad you will never have the journalistic dignity nor the courage to run anything that opposes your policies.

[Hela]

We purchased suede like leather couches that are supposedly stain proof from Jennifer Leather. I developed allergies and my eyes burned ever since we bought them. My cat has pulled out all his hair from itchiness. The vet does not know what caused it but concluded it was probably an allergic reaction to something. I concluded all the above to be blamed on the sofa but felt odd even mentioning it. Thanks for the affirmation.

[Sue Rieve]

About a year or two ago, my father purchased a leather desk chair from Staples with a brand name of True Innovations. Within a short time, he was experiencing a very itchy rash on the back of his neck where he rested his head on the chair. He itched so much every time he sat in it that he thought it was infested with fleas or bugs, although we didn't find anything of the sort. We didn't think that it could be a reaction to the leather. It bothered him so much that he gave me the chair. I just checked the label on the bottom, and it states that it was made in China. I would not be surprised to find that it was a chemical in it that caused the rash. I will report it to the CPSC and the manufacturer. Thanks.