Department of Interior Local Government is at it again. Keeping the public safe that is.
Recently, the government agency led by Secretary Ronnie Puno announced a ban on products which contains the potentially dangerous chemical dimethyl fumarate or DMF. The said chemical is usually used on different leather products. This is a fungicide which is used by manufacturers to keep molds away from leather when products are in storage or are being shipped.
Unfortunately, while the chemical is good at keeping away molds from leather, it has serious and negative effects to humans thus the move by the DILG to ban all products containing it. Tapio Rantanen, M.D. from Finland was the one who found out that DMF causes eczema which is very difficult to treat. The doctor’s study concluded that a concentration of 1 part per million or ppm could already cause allergic reactions to humans. The fungicide could even cause acute respiratory problems.
While the use of DMF on products is already prohibited in the European Union as early as 1998, there are still manufacturers using the said fungicide. DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno therefore has to step in and place a ban on all leather products with DMF. The DILG also ordered a recall on products with DMF already in the market.
Sec. Puno had this to say regarding the ban on these products: “If already in the market, these products have to be recalled and withdrawn without delay, and consumers have to be informed about the serious risk.” The Secretary also ordered local officials on all parts of the country to disseminate information to the general public regarding the health hazards posed by products with DMF.
The fungicide is packed by manufacturers like silica gel, in packets. These packets are then placed inside products like sofas and even leather shoes. For the latter, they can be easily removed but they still pose great risk to the people who handled the goods as well as to those buying them. For furniture, the risk is even greater as the packets remain inside the padding and is not removed upon purchase.
So, the next time you buy a pair of leather shoes and find a packet of DMF and not silica gel, immediately inform the party selling the goods about the ban on such products or contact the DILG.
Secretary Puno In Action: Bans Product With DMF
Department of Interior Local Government is at it again. Keeping the public safe that is.
Recently, the government agency led by Secretary Ronnie Puno announced a ban on products which contains the potentially dangerous chemical dimethyl fumarate or DMF. The said chemical is usually used on different leather products. This is a fungicide which is used by manufacturers to keep molds away from leather when products are in storage or are being shipped.
Unfortunately, while the chemical is good at keeping away molds from leather, it has serious and negative effects to humans thus the move by the DILG to ban all products containing it. Tapio Rantanen, M.D. from Finland was the one who found out that DMF causes eczema which is very difficult to treat. The doctor’s study concluded that a concentration of 1 part per million or ppm could already cause allergic reactions to humans. The fungicide could even cause acute respiratory problems.
While the use of DMF on products is already prohibited in the European Union as early as 1998, there are still manufacturers using the said fungicide. DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno therefore has to step in and place a ban on all leather products with DMF. The DILG also ordered a recall on products with DMF already in the market.
Sec. Puno had this to say regarding the ban on these products: “If already in the market, these products have to be recalled and withdrawn without delay, and consumers have to be informed about the serious risk.” The Secretary also ordered local officials on all parts of the country to disseminate information to the general public regarding the health hazards posed by products with DMF.
The fungicide is packed by manufacturers like silica gel, in packets. These packets are then placed inside products like sofas and even leather shoes. For the latter, they can be easily removed but they still pose great risk to the people who handled the goods as well as to those buying them. For furniture, the risk is even greater as the packets remain inside the padding and is not removed upon purchase.
So, the next time you buy a pair of leather shoes and find a packet of DMF and not silica gel, immediately inform the party selling the goods about the ban on such products or contact the DILG.