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BBC Watchdog investigates Sofa Allergy Allegations
19 February 2008
Russell Jones & Walker’s Richard Langton was asked to comment on BBC’s Watchdog programme regarding the current legal situation surrounding the sale of potentially harmful sofas through a number of furniture retailers including Walmsley Furnishing Land Of Leather.
Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors was contacted as they already act for hundreds of claimants all over the UK who have purchased furniture from these outlets and others.
The Firm had recently heard that scientific examination of the contents of sofas, made by the Chinese Linkwise Furniture company, had revealed the presence of fungicide in the sofas.
It appears that the manufacturer had placed sachets of a chemical (known as a fumarate), either in the cushion material or immediately underneath the leather. During usage, the chemical then leaks out through the leather and into the skin.
Russell Jones & Walker are currently carrying their own enquires into this, including instructing a consultant dermatologist and an expert toxicologist to advise on the implications. The fungicide concerned is apparently used sometimes in medical treatments and in food production but at this stage we cannot be certain whether it is in fact what it is supposed to be.
Richard Langton talking to Watchdog, (aired Monday 18th February 2008), stated that some furniture retailers are still selling the furniture concerned even in the knowledge that the furniture may be causing more harm to the public.
Russell Jones & Walker hopes it will be able to provide more information about what has been learnt very shortly and in particular whether there is any possibility of any long term affects from being exposed to the fungicide.
If you believe you have a claim or for more information please call Russell Jones & Walker on 0121 233 8300, quoting "sofa claims"