Sofa update
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions
Land of confusion? This disturbing story epitomises why Watchdog is here.
Some people had no idea until they watched the programme that their sofa could be the cause of a terrible rash.
In the last series Watchdog told you about the Chinese sofas which caused thousands of people severe skin reactions.
The sofas were sold through three main retailers: Argos, Land of Leather and Walmsley's, and were all made by one Chinese manufacturer - Linkwise. Watchdog discovered the problems were caused by a sachet of fungicide put inside the sofas to prevent mould.
Since then a second manufacturer has been linked to the furniture problem - China-based firm Eurosofa. People have been complaining of the same skin reactions after buying furniture carrying the Eurosofa label from Land of Leather stores.
Now, the three main retailers involved in selling the affected sofas (Argos, Land of Leather and Walmsleys) have released details of all the models and batches they believe might have contained these sachets.
Helen Mair bought two Eurosofa sofas in December 2007. Shortly afterwards she developed a painful rash. Land of Leather said the sofa couldn't be the problem as her sofas were NOT made by Linkwise. We visited Helen and found the anti-mould sachets in one of her sofas. Tests revealed they contained dimethyl fumarate, the same fungicide that we found in the Linkwise sofas.
David Gold's wife Lesley came out in a severe allergic skin reaction soon after buying two Eurosofa sofas in September 2007. She was admitted to hospital but doctors couldn't identify the cause of her problem. She died in May this year. While her death can't be attributed to the sofas, David says her extreme reaction made her final days unbearable.
Richard Langton, the lawyer leading the High Court class action against Linkwise retailers, says a second manufacturer being linked to the problem is deeply worrying as "potentially there could be hundreds of thousands or even millions of pieces of furniture that have got this fungicide in it which must be of enormous concern to the community, to governments and trading standards." In the current class action there are over 3,500 clients seeking compensation for sofa injuries, most of which relate to Linkwise sofas.
Land of Leather commented that "as the subject matter of the programme involves a group action currently proceeding in the High Court against 71 UK retailers - it would be improper for us to comment."
Eurosofa insists that the sofas featured aren't its product.
If you've experienced skin problems following the purchase of a leather sofa, with labels indicating that it has been made by Linkwise, Eurosofa or any other manufacturer, you may wish to telephone the special helpline number - 0800 916 9070 - and give the details. The helpline is coordinated by the companies involved with the class action and can help provide contact details for manufacturers and assess potential claims.
Watchdog update Monday 22 December 2008
In October we revealed how those Chinese-made sofas which had caused agonising itches and rashes weren't just affecting chairs made by one manufacturer. There had also been complaints about sofas bought from Land of Leather made by another Chinese manufacturer, Eurosofa.
The rashes were caused by a chemical called dimethyl fumarate which was found in sachets inside the sofa. It was meant to stop mould growing inside the leather while the sofas were being shipped - but when the chemical became warm it caused a severe skin reaction in some people.
More than 5,000 people are now part of the UK's biggest ever consumer injury claim against the stores they bought their sofas from.
The problem has also spread Europe-wide. A distributor in Poland has now issued a recall of a number of its Linkwise sofa models.
Read the list of known affected sofas.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~47~RS~)
Comments
Sign in or register to comment.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
In September 2007, my partner called my attention to a strange rash that had suddenly appeared on both legs and some of his trunk. The spots were dark purple in colour and we visited the hospital that evening. At first there were no other symptoms but within two weeks, his spots started gathering to form large areas and soon blistered and got infected subsequently. Within four weeks, he suffered severe weight loss, bleeding from the bowl and immense pain and discomfort in general. We checked our sofa when the inital reports came out but as ours was made by Eurosofa, we assumed that it couldn't have anything to do with it. Now after learning this new report this evening (a year on from when he fell ill) we are very shocked. My partner is now disabled, takes just about every medication under the sun for pain and to help with a diagnosis which still hasn't been 100% confirmed by the medical experts. The spots have gone, but have left severe scarring from the blistering and infection, his joints constantly cause him severe pain and can now barely walk without some form of aid. I shall certainly be contacting the special helpline as I can't believe that we may have been right in the first place.
Complain about this comment
I am not sure if my reaction is through purchasing one of these settees. Ever since I purchased one 12 months ago I have been really poorly with really sore burning eyes. Does anyone else have these probs. Ive been back and forward to the docts and they dont know what it is. But its very strange that it came the same month as I purchased my new Leather Suite.
Complain about this comment
i brought a leather sofa from argos in 2006 and for a while i was coming out in a rash which was very hot and red like fire on both my legs.And today i was watching your program when you started talking about leather sofas could i have been afected in the same way has the other people on your program. please let me know thank you.
Thank you for your comments. You can contact the lawyers handling the class action on 0800 916 90 70. Best regards,
Mariam, Watchdog Web Team
Complain about this comment
Does anyone know where the fungicide package is stapled to the sofa's please?
I have tried to check on ours, which has no labels but came from China. I took part of the cloth off the bottom but could not see any package!
Cheers!
Complain about this comment
Dear Watchdog I just got a sofa exactly like the one you showed on your programme today! I had no idea about the potential harm it could cause... Can you advise if there is a safe way for me to check if the sachet your programme talked about is in the sofa please?
Complain about this comment
I'm so sorry for the people who have suffered, quite horrific. No doubt the initial complaint should be to the selling company. However shouldn't the supplier of the anti-mould sachet be approached? They could be supplying all manufacturers of chairs/sofas!
Complain about this comment
I am concerned about my sofa.
I bought my Hemmingway corner sofa from D.F.S.
Purchased in 2006,in Sept I think.
In November I started to notice large swelling areas, either the back of my legs, wrist , shoulders and sometimes my feet.They are very itchy and leave a scared bruising effect. I went to the Drs. and they were puzzled. I had blood tests. Still unable to diagnose anything. Still to this date I continue to have these sporadic skin inflamations. Does this mean I have a Euro sofa ?
[Note from Watchdog: Many thanks for your comment. You can contact the solicitors handling the class action on, 0800 916 9070. Regards, Eddie Watchdog web team.]
Complain about this comment
i also have had skin problems since buying leather sofas from joysleep back in may this year icthing skin where i rip my skin off untill it bleeds, has any one else had these problems as my gp does not know what is causing this is there any evidence joysleep are selling this make [Note from Watchdog: Many thanks for your comment. You can contact the solicitors handling the class action on, 0800 916 9070. Regards, Eddie. Watchdog web team.]
Complain about this comment
i purchased two leather suites from land of leather in december 2007 shortly after my 14 year old son developed a small rash on the side of his face afer visiting our gp we were told it was impetigo the rash got and worse and worse and we were referred to a skin specialist who said it wasnt impetigo they were baffled as to what it was the rash got bigger and was red then blisterd followed by weeping and bleeding this went on for several months and caused distresss to my son and to myself and husband eventually it went away after several courses of antibiotics and creams to this day doctors are baffled to know what it was
Complain about this comment
sadly due to work commitments i missed the programme can anyone tell me when this problem was first discovered ?
Complain about this comment
HI
I was just watching your program tonight. If it's the antifungal gel packs that cause these inflammations on people's skin then WHY DON'T YOU JUST TELL PEOPLE TO LOOK IN THEIR SOFAS AND TAKE THEM OUT STRAIGHT AWAY!
From watching your program it isn't the leather that causes these rashes but it's those gel packs!!
I want a reply to this!
thanks
cindy chan.
Complain about this comment
I bought a leather reclining chair from home base last month - how can i find out if its one of the bad ones
Complain about this comment
HI MY NAME IS SANDRA. I PURCHASED A LAND OF LEATHER LEATHER SOFA IN OCTOBER 2006. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A SKIN COMPLAINT IN JANUARY 2007. THE DOCTORS FOUND IT HARD TO EXPLAIN AND CLAIMED THAT THIS SKIN COMPLAINT WAS CALLED LICHEN PLANUS. THIS RESULTED IN ME HAVING MARKS LIKE ECZEMA, WHICH WAS BLISTERING, SORE, BLEEDING AND RAW.I CONSTANTLY ITCHED;IT WAS EVERYWHERE ON MY BODY FROM HEAD TO TOE. AS A RESULT I WAS OFF WORK FOR SEVERAL WEEKS,I AM STILL USING THE OINTMENTS THAT WERE GIVEN TO ME AND I STILL HAVE SCARS.I HAVE NOT CONTACTED LAND OF LEATHER SINCE ADMITTEDLY I WAS NOT AWARE OF THESE CASES SINCE LAST NIGHT.
[Thank you for your comments. You can contact the lawyers dealing with the class action on 0800 916 90 70. Best regards, Mariam, Watchdog Webteam]
Complain about this comment
Does anyone know if sofas bought from DFS are also included?
I bought an ex-showroom black leather suite last Christmas and since that time my son has been affected by a severe eczema type rash on his legs and back and has seen the doctor several times. He wears shorts and light clothes because of the pain and itching but this could mean that his body is in even more contact witht the leather chairs that ever.
Where do DFS buy their sofas from? Can someone help me. Thanks
[Note from Watchdog: Thank you for your comment. You can contact the solicitor handling the class action on 0800 916 90 70. Regards, Eddie Botsio, Watchdog web team]
Complain about this comment
We bought new leather chairs from a local furniture shop in East Grinstead. Since about that time I have developed spots on my bottom and backs of my upper thighs. Also, during this period, I have developed itchy excema-type rashes on my lower back, ankle, toes and feet. There are no labels on the chairs to indicate the manufacturer or where they were made. How can I find out a) whether the spots and rashes were caused by the chairs? b) Where the chairs were made (assuming the shop wont tell me)? and c) What should I do about it?
[Note from Watchdog: Thank you for your comment. You can contact the solicitor handling the class action on 0800 916 90 70. Regards, Eddie Botsio, Watchdog web team]
Complain about this comment
Have exactly the sofas shown in your illustration.
Have both 3 seater and two seater received in December 2007 mfg by Eurosofas on 20.11.07.
I dont wish to unravel the upholstery to see if I have the said sachet enclosed. Both my wife and I have had minor irritations and sore eyes.
Have contacted the solicitor you mentioned and am awaiting reply.
Complain about this comment
Can someone advise if it is worth taking the bottom hessien off my sofa and removing th esachet if there is one? We have not had any problems - but would rather not take a risk.
Complain about this comment
hello there,i was watching your show last night and was shocked too hear about the couchs,the problem is my grandad has been comeing out in the same rashers as showed on tele last night,big red rashers witch are really painfully and burn.they allso go there new couch 2 years ago,whitch got me thinking last night.but they got there couch from scs.?do you think that it could be connected/thanks for your time.
Complain about this comment
We bought our Andria Leather Sofas in May 2007 from Argos, I have searched my sofas and do not have any information on them about where they come from only care instructions, I have suffered from contact dermititis in the past and have recently had another (probably my worst) flare up, also my fiance who has never suffered from Eczema has all of a sudden had a flare up of Eczema and my son who is now 5 months old has skin problems (I sometimes sit him on the sofa next to me). I am not sure if this could be the sofas or not, is there anything else I can do to find out.
[Note from Watchdog: Many thanks for your comment. You can contact the solicitors handling the class action on, 0800 916 9070. Regards, Eddie Botsio, Watchdog web team.]
Complain about this comment
i to got a sofa from walmsley been hospital 5xs be 4 i knew what was wrong iam a case study 4 hope hospital found it distressing the lady dying on watch dog where sofa did not help her problems
Complain about this comment
when my son was 3 months we moved to edinburgh were my partner purchased a leather three piece from L.O.L. MY son broke out in this almighty rash that has never cleared up and looks like a burns victim.he is 5 months now he did have a little rash on his face when we moved but now i am worried this may have caused it....think its eczema even if could be a reaction to this.my partner checked soa made in china but thats all the info were would we find this he had a look cant find it. I would be distraught if it was sofa even if i dont find package i wont put him on it my god youcant even get a chair without chemicals???where do i look?
Complain about this comment
I also purchased a sofa from Argos in 2007 and it was not unitl 6 months later that I suddenly developed a rash on my arms, legs and feet which was very painful.
I went to the doctors who gave me some medication. But the rash would not clear up at all. It was only when a friend showed me a article from the local newspaper about sofas causing skin allergies I realised that this could be what was causing my rash. Argos confirmed my sofa was one of the batches which were been recalled back and they came and took my sofa away and refunded me.
I still have the rash now 8 months later every day, even though my sofa has been removed from the house. It causes me severe pain and discomfort along with affecting my social life as well. I have contacted a solicitor who is dealing with my claim.
Complain about this comment
Have just checked out a sofa bought Oct 07 and been told by land of Leather that it is made by CHATEAU D'AX and therefore OK but it is from China and a family member has experienced rashes! Anyone else had trouble with one of these?
Complain about this comment
I bought a sofa from Land of leather 2 years ago and since i bought it i have have very itchie rashes on the back of my legs after watching the show i called land of leather and they told me that my sofa was not made by any of the manufacturers involved.
They told me they would send me written conformation of the manufacturer that made my sofa.I will update the name of the manufacturer when i recive the letter.
Complain about this comment
18 months ago we bought a three seater sofa and a tow seater sofa in leather from Argos. when the firstmscare came out about them we received a letter from Argos to check the batch number which we did and they said it was ok.
Everything was fine then a bout two months ago we changed tha furniture around and I ended up with using the two seater all the time, after a week I started to get a rash on my right hand side, I went to the doctors and he said it was some sort of alergic reaction and gave me some cream to put on, however, two months on the rash has got lots worse and has spread on the my back, it is causing great discomfit and the doctos have tried all sorts of creams and medications to no avail. My daughter watched the programme on Monday and told me to look at ti and to my astonishment the rash is exactly the same as the one shown, so now I am sitting on a sun lounger in my living room until we decide what to do.
Complain about this comment
Hi folks, I bought a sofa from LOL about three years ago. I called them to check the details of the manufacturer (ATC, China). They could not give me any further info because, interestingly, they no longer deal with this supplier. Has anybody else come across this supplier in this context? Has it been identified as source/user of this fungicide? For info, the suite is a dark brown leather Carlo suite. My sons eczema may be linked to this but I don't want to jump the gun.
Thanks.
Complain about this comment
This looks exactly like my suite. When I contacted Land of Leather they told me that my suite was not one of the ones listed but I have a rash on my arms just like the one that the owner of this featured brown leather suite. Is anyone able to tell me if it is the Adelaide Suite from Land of Leather. Thank you for your help
Complain about this comment
Hi
Everyone is talking about people with skin problems, but what about pets? I have a yellow lab who always sleeps on our sofa. She has suffered with a very serious skin problem for five years which the vets can't identify with. No treatment works, the poor dog (Holly) is stuck on steroids, antibiotics and piriton. She is always eating herself. She developed this condition when we moved in our new house five years ago, We have tried everything with her but what's strange is when we moved house we also bought a new LEATHER corner sofa, I won't say where from as it might not be allowed to say on here. We used to joke that Holly was allergic to leather but, is it true? I think Watchdog need to follow this up.... thank you
Complain about this comment
regarding helentay5 i have been feeling poorly also with sore joints itchy eyes a skin rash since purchasing my leather sofas from land of leather over a year ago which i found out were linkwise and contained 21 sachets of the gel in my 2 sofas has any one found any more than that in theirs
Complain about this comment
i purchased 2 leather sofas over a year ago and have felt poorly and had itchy eyes since is any one else the same
Complain about this comment
my sofa contained 21 packets of gel is it harmful 2 my 4 children what should i do with my sofas
Complain about this comment
I have one as shown at the start of your video i am unsure were to find out the lable who it was made bye .my one is very heavy to move as it has two electric reclineing parts please could you tell me where i would find the label ?
Complain about this comment
Hi
We bought a suite for DFS Sept 2007 in about October 2007 my husband started with a rash which got worse covering his legs, arms and back. the doctors have been treating it as infected excema, he is taking various medication, and is bandaged from head to to foot every night. I have one or two spts on the tops of my legs that won't heal.. do you think this is anything to do with the sofa. My husbad has working i chemicals 7 dust all his life and never had a reaction.
Complain about this comment
I am confused by the report. In the show, it said that symptoms arose on the body where it contacted with the sofas leather surface. However, the fungicide packs are tacked to the bottom of the sofa nowhere near the leather surface. So how can that be the case? If the packs are giving off fumes, then one would expect simple proximity to the sofa would have an effect on any part of the body. Otherwise, is it really the packs that are causing the problem or is it the leather tanning process itself causing problems in susceptible people. Could this be clarified?
Complain about this comment
We bought a leather sofa from DFS last year.And i can't sit on it long without itching.I have thought nothing of it till i just viewed Watchdog.But 3 months ago during summertime wearing shorts my legs became really sore.Then they started to blister real bad.I used antibiotic cream which i had here.But i had to take antihistamine medicine as it made me so unwell.I still have the scars that flame up and weep if i sit on it to long.And i have to make sure i am wearing suitable clothing so my skin is covered.
Its constant itching.I have been to my GP's but nothing was confirmed by him.I have never ever suffered with any skin condition.And now i have to live with the scars on my bottom half of my body.Also i have a few on top of my arms starting.
I am very concerned now.And i don't know what to do for the best.
Please can you help me.
Regards Lisa
[Note from Watchdog: Thanks for your comment. You can contact the solicitors handling the class action on, 0800 916 9070. Regards, Eddie Watchdog web team.]
Complain about this comment
We bought our leather sofas from Furnitureland in May 2005. A few months later Furnitureland closed down. I cannot find a manufacturer's name on the sofas, but there is a batch number on the Fire Regulations label. My husband has always found the sofas "itchy", and has problems with swollen and painful joints, particularly those that are in contact with the sofa. He feels better when he is away from the sofas for a few days. I cannot find any sachets inside the sofa , but wonder if a laboratory could test the foam for the presence of dimethyl fumarate. Who should I contact as Furnitureland is no longer trading ?
[Note from Watchdog: Many thanks for your comment. You can contact the solicitor handling the class action on 0800 916 9070. Regards, Eddie Botsio, Watchdog web team.]
Complain about this comment
I purschased a sofa at Leather World in 2001 and almost immediatly I had a rash on my torso which developed into bruising, I assumed that it was fleabites has I have pets. Shortly afterwards the sofa went into storage until I moved to France. Once installed in France I have terrible rash on the back of my legs that again turn into blisters, very itchy and unsightly. After your programme I checked the sofa and noticed that it was manufactured in Hong Kong by Superb Creations. Could I have an afftected sofa.
[Note from Watchdog: Thank you for your comment. You can contact the solicitors handling the class action on 0800 9169070. Regards Eddie Botsio, Watchdog webteam.]
Complain about this comment
I bought my leaqther suite from a company in St. Helens named Klaussener in August 2006. approximately within two weeks I started itching on my shoulders and arms. In October I went into hospital for an unrelated operation, but my arm were causing me distress which I reported to the ward staff. from being discharged the rash got more angry and I eventually saw a skin specialist. It was diagnosed as a rare condition, hard to diagnose and hir and miss to treat. My itchy lumps turned to blisters, then ulcers, then like little dried warts. I endured having my arms bandaged for approx 6 weeks to stop me itching and bleeding, the burning sensation drove me insane. I had sleepless nights, the rash left little scars on my arms. I had light treatment which only flared it up more, I had to keep myself freezing cold and sleep with my bedroom windows wide ope thru the night, in all, I was a mess. Even covered in creams 24hours wrecking my clothes and my bedding.
On about 4 weeks ago, I saw a full page advert in the national daily mirror. Only then did I refer to my diary as to when I purchased the suite and the short time after which purchas I started on a journey lasting almost 2 years flaring up now and again. I never connected but I sought advice from the advert and I am now in communication with a solicitor who is in the process of getting a test done and trying to establish if my suite is in any way connected to Linkwise or other. I pray so, not for compensation but, then if connected, I shall have succeeded in establishing the cause, the diagnosis and finally a prognosis. Life has been Hell, not only for me but for the people who love and care about me
Complain about this comment
my feelings go out to the family? but recently i bought the exact same sofa from land of leather in glasgow i am disgusted that land of leather can still sell these sofa without warning????can
you please advise any customers in what can be done with this situation
kind regards watchdog fan
[Note from Watchdog. Thank you for your comment. You can contact the solicitors handling the class action on 0800 916 9070. Regards Eddie Botsio, Watchdog web team.]
Complain about this comment
My wife has been suffering badly from pains an weakness in her legs ever since starting to use her leather reclining chair, bought from d.f.s. She also has severe discolouration and numerous small ulcer type blemishes. I can't find any labels of origin. Does anyone know where to look for the sachets? If I start removing staples to search, will this invalidate a possible claim?
Complain about this comment
My father has suffered this problem of on-going skin irritation for the last few years ever since he moved into his new house (coincidently the same time he bought a new sofa). The problem has cost him a lot of money in medical expenses but more importantly it as caused him serious distress as doctors have been at a loss to his diagnosis.After almost 3 years his partner has now started to come out in the same rash.
He bought his sofa in a small furniture shop here in Ireland which claims no responsibility for the skin problems and said the sofa was manufactured in Italy. I am convinced that the sofa is to blame for my dads skin problems and would like someones advice on what to do next with regard to proving the link (patch test etc). Also is it advisible to contact the above solicitors considering we are in Ireland or can anybody advise me on where to get help in this country.
Many thanks
Complain about this comment
My comment is not about sofas, but chinese leather, two years ago I bought a pair of knee high leather boots, made in China, I first wore them last summer 2007, and developed Bi-lateral Celulitis in my legs, after the sofa scare started naming Dimethol Fumerate in the sachets as the culprit, my boots were packed with the usual silicagel sachets, and they check out as such, I did a bit of reasearch, DF is a food stuff, found in Brocally and other likewise plants, yet I seem to have had a reaction to chinese leather, I believe its the leather treatment to blame, and not the sachets.. my two pennyworth.. Tracey
Complain about this comment
I never read the news but I have from April 2008 have been seeing docs about a rash.I bought a suite from leather land and have never had a skin prob in my life.Unfortunately for me have suffered so many probs and see the docs every other week.I feel all due to the suite we own.I have been unable to walk due to it but the constant icthy of the rash gives me depression.I have to cover my body twice a day in emulsifying ointment now,also take epilepsy pills to stop my nerve endings reacting to the itchy feeling my skin has.
I have recently been away and my hands got better but back home now and all comming back.
For those those that have had septic spot's been there too.
One thing for sure is what do we all do to get this sorted.I am a carer for my family as main carer we are all suffering from it at the moment.I am unable to help all here.
Complain about this comment
We bought our suite from InStyle in December 2007 and since then i have suffered from severe skin irritation, redness and itchness and burning sensations. My doctors are puzzled as to what the cause is. I saw the program regarding the suites from China and want to find out how i can tell if my suite is one of the ones mentioned in the program as there is no labels on it for me to check myself. This itch and irritation only occured after i got the suite. My life has been a misery since then due to lack of sleep with the constant itch. Can someone please advise?
[Note from Watchdog. Thank you for your comment. You can contact the solicitiors handling the class action on 0800 916 9070. Regards, Eddie Botsio, Watchdog web team.]
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Hi I purchased a leather sofa from DFS earlier this year - I suffer with psoriasis but have now got a different sort of skin complaint on my legs and it's now starting under my arms. I have taken the bottom off one of the sofas and can not find any of the little packages you are talking about. Is it definately the jell packages that are causing this or could it be the leather. My partner also has a rash which is also under his arms which is bright red and flakey skin. Also are DFS sofa a problem - i rang DFS and they say my sofa was made in Italy. I am also going to the doctors as my legs are red raw and don't stop itching. Any help welcome. [Note from Watchdog: You can contact the solicitors handling the class action on 0800 916 9070. Reagrds, Eddie Botsio, Watchdog webteam.]
Complain about this comment
My Dad bought a Leather suite called Nara from DFS in March 2006. Ever since he has been suffering from a skin rash on his back, shoulder and legs. I didn't know anything about this until September 2008. I called DFS and spoke to a Manager who informed me that the problem was only with Sofas manufactured by Linkwise and no other. He informed me that they don't use Linkwise and hence, this can't be the cause of my Dad's rash. He said that they used another manufacturer, also based in China, called HTL. I don't know where I should go from here. Any advice would be much appreciated.
[Note from Watchdog: You can contact the solicitors handling the class action on 0800 916 9070. Regards, Eddie Botsio, Watchdog web team.}
Complain about this comment
Hi i posted earlier that LOL said my sofa was not made by the manufacturer that had these antifungal in.They said my sofa was made by ACT so i think there is more than two manufacturers involved so if any one else has had a problem with sofas made by ACT i would like to hear from you just so i no im not the only one thank you.
Complain about this comment
We have 2 Adelaide sofa's from Land of Leather and all we seem to do is itch after sitting on them. Can you tell us where to look for the sachet as we have tried to find them but cannot.
Complain about this comment
Looking through these posts has really worried me.
i recieved my eurosofa 3 piece suite from [shop removed]and my daughter (now 21 months) developed a horrible rash that cover her whole body- doctors thought she suffered from Eczema- but she has horrible scarring, bleeds from the sores and is in constant pain- she cant sleep through the night.
people used to stop and stare at her in the street because she looked like a burn victim.
if our sofa is the cause of this, whoever's responsible is going to have a lot to answer for.
Complain about this comment
I notice that one of the comments mentions leather boots. I recently bought a pair of Black Elegant Ankle Boots from [shop removed]. These gave me a very sore rash on both legs from the leather inside the top of the boots. I complained to [shop removed] who sent them off to be tested, but the letter that came back said there was nothing wrong with them and all feet are different! I have since sent a strong letter back.
Complain about this comment
I bought the Quinn sofas from Argos on 27th December 2007 and they were delivered on 22nd January 2007. By the middle of March my arms neck scalp and top of my back were plastered in this very nasty painful rash. I went to my GP which turned out to be one of very many visits along with the local hospitals dermotology consultant over the next 18 months. It wasnt until I saw him and he asked me had I bought a new sofa that things started to make sense. I went for patch testing in April of this year and took a small piece of leather from underneath the sofa. I was tested for a reaction to this along with 60 other things. My results were all negative. I had learnt to live with the skin problems no more holidays as I was too embarrassed and struggling to even get a cuddle from children becase they thought that they would catch it. After talking to someone on a chat form aout the sofas I was told that I probably wouldnt have showed a reaction to the leather as it was taken from underneath which probably wouldnt have been contaminated. Depression had set in and still is as I am suffering badly on a daily basis not being able to sleep due to itching and my back and arms constantly bleeding and weeping. 13 different lotions including steroids and anti-histamins are not resolving the problems. Then out of the blue I have a phone call from a lady who had read my story on an internet forum for skin. After talking for a while we discover that we both bought our same Quinn sofas from Argos on 27th December 2006 and both were delivered on 22nd January 2007. Hers was deivered to North Wales and mine South Wales, her batch number 021903 and mine 02106, our product numbers idental. Surely, this was not just a co-incidence. I have rung Argos and they specify that the Quinn reclining sofas are not effected so will not be changed. Therefore I have to continue to suffer. My dog is also suffering badly with his skin and was diagnosed with lung disease in April of this year and told due to his breathing being so bad he probably would live for another month. Strangely, 6 months later he is still here and well providing he does not go on the sofas where he suddenly starts getting a nasty cough and cant stop panting. I desperately neeed some answers to this unfortunate case.
Complain about this comment
Hi in reply to lordkts24 LOL said exactly the same about a Rubelli suite that I have - the one featured on this website, They also told me that I would be getting a letter to confirm that my suite was not one featured, when I delved abouth on the internet for rubelli, I found out that the firm is also based in China and Malaysia
Complain about this comment
i would like to know if anyone has found any sachets in their sofas because i found 20 in my 2 seater and 3 seater! can anyone reply and let me know thank you.
Complain about this comment
I bought a leather settee around a year ago and since then my GF has had a rash all over her body.
The settee comes from Premier a company in china. Apparently they do not use the same gel sachets as Eurosofa.
VERY SUSPICIOUS.
Complain about this comment
Think this is expanding. Got a Chateau D'Ax sofa fro LoL Feb 2007. Started experiencing bad rash and scabbing onany skin area that came into contact with it. Been treated by my Doctor for all sorts of skin condition with no success. After this story went ack to Doc and he said this could be the reason. Gave me some steroid cream and advice i.e. cover sofa in plastic with a blanket on top and see what happens. Itching stopped and blisters and marks starting to fade. Did originally contact LoL but they said mine was not affected. Made in China is on the sofa although the leather seems to come frm Italy. Hard to find out on the web who actually puts this sofa together. Anyone else had similar??
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I have the sofa from LOL featured on the program. I am going to contact them to see if they will come and remove the sachets but I am very worried in the meantime as I am pregnant and concerned about what these chemicals could be doing to my unborn child.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Thanks for the comments and advice on the suites. With regards to the rash/burns applying ice and showering/bathing in cool water seems to help.
Complain about this comment
brought my sofa from a company in oct 2005 for my new home. I moved in May 2006 since then my 5 years old son has been suffering from a skin problem in his head, around his ears,neck legs arm back, stmoach. Lately he has been very bad and ended up in hospital . How can i find out if its the sofa?? I get very upset looking at my son and cant help him when he becomes very itchy and red. I phoned the company and was told that they have nothing to do with this as they do not use the manufactures. And they have had no complain. What shall i do?
Complain about this comment
I have been working in the leather furniture industry for over 15 years - the last 10 of which have been dealing with Asian based companies. The use of Dimethyl Fumarate sachets is widespread - they are used to counteract the mould which occurs during the shipping process when cheap leather has been used by the manufacturer. Because there is a huge build up in humidity in the container that these goods are shipped in when cheap leathers are used they get a white mould appearing. These sachets counteract this - I know of at least a dozen companies that are shipping product to the UK that have used these sachets in the past.
Complain about this comment
I bought a leather sofa second-hand in July. I had no idea it could be linked, but I have had severe burning skin rashes, itching, sleepless nights ever since. I have seen both my GP and referred to hospital with the problem which still persists. How do I find out if it is an affected sofa, and as I bought it second-hand does this mean I have no entitlement to compensation from the manufacturer?
Complain about this comment
Thankyou Watchdog for making such a big difference to my husband's health and the happiness of our whole family.
For five years he had suffered from debilitating joint pain which was claimed by the doctors to be rheumatoid arthritis. However, he always attributed it to an allergy and we tried to exclude everything to which he might be allergic.
Sitting on the leather sofa caused him to itch and to have pains in some of his joints. He regularly had very painful flare ups which occurred rapidly when he sat on the sofa. He thought it could be something he had eaten or drunk, or even the dust on the sofa. Since removing the sofa, he has rapidly improved, and continues to do so, though some permanent damage to his joints remains.
His health, and our whole family life has been transformed as a result of this discovery. We cannot thank you all at Watchdog enough!
Our sofa came from Furnitureland , who have since ceased trading. It does not contain any of the sachets, but we think it may have been treated with the chemical.
Complain about this comment
I bought a leather sofer from land of leather in 2006 and started getting severe dermatitis on my hands my doctors said it was the chemicals i used when i was window cleaning i imideetly stoped using them but the problem still persists 18 months later i have had so much time of work and not enjoying my usual hobbies the doctors dont know what the cause is and land of leather say that my sofer is not one that uses the fungicide. they say it was manufactured by a company called [Personal details removed by Moderator] or somthing like that. anyone els had problems with that manufacture i would like to here from
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I bought a three piece suite from DFS that was delivered two weeks ago. Since, I have developed a very painful sunburn like rash on the backs of my arms, legs, back and neck. Also, have had headaches and I wheeze when I'm close to the suite. Doctor has confirmed that it is a severe allergic reaction, most probably from the furniture, I have to live with my mother at the moment as I cannot be in the room with the suite as it makes my chest tight and I wheeze. I contacted dfs they said it cannot possibly be the furniture and that it must be me ! They wanted £200 to come and take the furniture out of my house. I did not accept this, and contacted a solicitor, subsequently, the furniture is being collected this weekend, contract cancelled and I can live in my house again.
Complain about this comment
i have a query i am experiencing all the symptoms have been to doctor and treated for exzema which has not cleared up , only problem being we dont have a leather suite we have had a corner sofa [Retailer's details removed by Moderator] for 7 months is it possible these were produced in china and the same fungicide was used ? if anyone can help
Complain about this comment
We bought a corner suite from DFS a year ago and my husband has had itchy skin and raised lumps like a heat rash he only gets this when he sits on the settee and it affects his arms, sides legs and back. But we cant find any gel packs in the suite. Any suggestions?
Complain about this comment
i ordered my sofa from lol in may 2008 and recieved it in oct 2008, it is on the list of sofas affected but how do i find out if its in one of the affected batches
Complain about this comment
View these comments in RSS