Krongaard, T., Petersen, K.K. & Johansen, E. 2011: Content of dimethyl fumarate in footwear. Chemical Substances and Chemical Preparations. National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University. 22 pp.- NERI Technical report No. 819.
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is used as a biocide preventing moulds that may deteriorate leather furniture or footwear during storage or transport in a humid climate. However DMF may affect consumers who are in contact with the products because it may cause painful skin contact dermatitis.
According to EU Commission Decision of 17 March 2009, the Member States have to ensure that products containing the biocide dimethyl fumarate (DMF) are not placed or made available on the market. On behalf of the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (DEPA), the National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University, examined the content of DMF in 302 pieces of footwear on the Danish market, in order to comply with the EU Commission Decision.
1 out of the 302 examined samples contained DMF in concentrations above the maximum limit of 0.1 mg/kg. The sample contained 0.10-0.17 mg DMF per kg.
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