The severe reaction were caused by a chemical powder that had been used in satchets within the sofas themselves to prevent moulding during storage and in humid conditions. Dimethyl-fumarate or DMF, as it is commonly known, has been used in the past to prevent damage to sofas along with other leather goods such as shoes but even small amount can eventually lead to a great amount of irritation, redness, itching, flaking of skin and much discomfort and pain.

Big high street firms such as Argos and Land of Leather have admitted fault subject to it being proven that the injuries were caused by the sofas. A total of 11 companies are expected to be ordered to pay as much as £10 million in compensation and legal costs which would make this the largest group action claim ever seen in UK courts.

The chemical evaporates into the air when the satchets get hot and it is this vapour that subsequently causes the problem. The European Union has taken note and is soon to bring in new legislation that would see the sale of products containing DMF satchets banned and potentially a complete recall of products already in customers’ homes.