Dimethyl Fumarate Allergies

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an antifungal/biocidal agent that can cause

dermatitis or allergies. The U.S. does not regulate this chemical, but in May 2009 it was banned in consumer products on the European market.

About Dimethyl Fumarate

• DMF is usually used in pouches fastened inside furniture or added to shoe boxes to protect the product from fungus and mold. It is a fine white crystalline powder that becomes airborne and impregnates the product. When it gets on clothing that touches the skin, it can cause an allergic reaction.

DMF Allergy Symptoms

• Dimethyl fumarate not only causes irritating allergies through inhalation and eye

  contact, but dermatitis symptoms that include itching, irritation, redness,

  pain and burns.

EU's Alert

• The member states of EU have the responsibility to stop the sale of products that contain more than 0.1 mg/kg DMF. Even though leather shoes and furniture are the most likely items to contain DMF, other products such as soft toys have also been put on the alert list.

  These types of products containing DMF can be found in many countries, including the United States, especially if they have been imported from China.