This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/business-11998238
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
'Toxic sofa' claimants win payouts over DMF | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A court has sanctioned £1,800 payouts to 408 claimants in a multimillion-pound compensation battle over so-called "toxic sofas". | A court has sanctioned £1,800 payouts to 408 claimants in a multimillion-pound compensation battle over so-called "toxic sofas". |
The claimants, including 55 children, had all suffered skin complaints caused by the sensitising agent dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in the leather sofas. | The claimants, including 55 children, had all suffered skin complaints caused by the sensitising agent dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in the leather sofas. |
The furniture was made by Chinese companies Linkwise and Eurosofa. | The furniture was made by Chinese companies Linkwise and Eurosofa. |
In April a number of High Street chains agreed to pay £20m in total to those who had received chemical burns. | In April a number of High Street chains agreed to pay £20m in total to those who had received chemical burns. |
'Sensible settlement' | 'Sensible settlement' |
This initial agreement meant that 1,650 people would receive between £1,175 and £9,000 each, depending on the severity of their symptoms. | This initial agreement meant that 1,650 people would receive between £1,175 and £9,000 each, depending on the severity of their symptoms. |
On Wednesday, Mr Justice MacDuff said the latest resolution of the litigation for the last tranche of 408 claimants was a "very sensible and proper settlement" of their claims. | On Wednesday, Mr Justice MacDuff said the latest resolution of the litigation for the last tranche of 408 claimants was a "very sensible and proper settlement" of their claims. |
The sofa makers had used DMF as an anti-mould agent to protect the leather, but the chemical is toxic in tiny amounts and can cause blistering and bleeding of the skin. | The sofa makers had used DMF as an anti-mould agent to protect the leather, but the chemical is toxic in tiny amounts and can cause blistering and bleeding of the skin. |
The EU has banned the use of DMF after customers in at least five European countries suffered burns and breathing problems. | The EU has banned the use of DMF after customers in at least five European countries suffered burns and breathing problems. |
Previous version
1
Next version