Dimethyl fumarate has been found to be an allergic sensitizer at very low concentrations, producing extensive, pronounced eczema that is difficult to treat. Concentrations as low as 1 ppm may produce allergic reactions.[1] There are only a handful of equally potent sensitizers.[2]
The issue came to light as a result of two serous cases, relating to the treatment of (mainly) leather sofas with DMF, in Europe (Finland & Great Britain) where the solid packets of DMF became gaseous and the resulting fumes caused several severe symptoms ranging from respiratory problems to skin rashes. The difficulty in diagnosing and identifying the problem also created considerable psychological stress for the victims.
In the European Union the use of dimethyl fumarate for consumer products has been forbidden since 1998, and since January 2009 the import of products containing dimethyl fumarate is also forbidden.
This is another example of products being treated with a chemical in order to save the manufacturer on packaging and shipping costs. An educated customer, and unfortunately we all have to be these days, must ask the range of personal safety related questions when purchasing any product and thereby encourage the producers to manufacturer, package and ship in ways that reduce any possible risk to our health and reduce the unnecessary use of toxic chemicals that can potentially do us harm.
Thank you fo Wiki for the synopsis about DMF.
References:
1. Rantanen, Tapio (2008). “The cause of the Chinese sofa/chair dermatitis epidemic is likely to be contact allergy to dimethylfumarate, a novel potent contact sensitizer”. British Journal of Dermatology 159 (1): 218–221. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08622
2. “Myrkkytuoli-ihottumien syy selvisi” (in Finnish). YLE Uutiset (YLE). 2008-04-24. http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/24h/id88989.html. Retrieved 2008-06-10
