Congresswoman Jackie Speier recently introduced legislation to ban products containing a skin-irritating antifungal agent from China which has already been outlawed by the European Union and other countries.
Dimethylfumarate (DMF) is used to prevent leather goods from getting moldy during storage and shipment.  On May 1, the EU banned and recalled couches and shoes that have been treated with DMF.  The Speier bill would ban the manufacture, sale or distribution of products containing DMF.

“Products treated with this chemical have caused severe skin rashes, chemical burns and acute respiratory problems for consumers,” the congresswoman said.  “To make matters worse, there is often a delay in reporting symptoms because people have no idea where the rash came from.  No one expects their couch or shoes to make them sick.”

The bill was introduced on June 26 and referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.