The magazine of the National Institute of Consumption received about forty testimonials from consumers who had damaged feet.
Several complaints had been relayed during the summer. In Hauts-de-France, and in particular in Pas-de-Calais, consumers had reported burns, sometimes severe, caused by shoes from Chaussea stores. The Departmental Directorate of Population Protection (DDPP) had taken up the subject. She appealed to consumers, asking them to make themselves known to their services.
But the situation does not seem isolated. This Monday, 60 million consumers claims to have received around 40 testimonials from readers since the start of the year, “presenting itching, red patches and burning after wearing their new shoes for a few days. “
Biocides accused
Designated suspect: the dimethylfulmarate (DMFu). This anti-mold became known in 2008, when it was used on sofas made in China. Several countries in Europe had reported people with burns caused by the product.
But since then, DMFu has been banned, and the substance has since been detected in any product marketed in France, explains the magazine of the National Institute of Consumption (INC).
They therefore discard a priori this thesis. But other biocides, sometimes allergenic, are still commonly used in shoes – whether made of leather or synthetic materials – and in soles.
Chromium VI, Nickel, formaldehyde, thiurames, neoprene glues and black dyes… “These allergenic substances are not yet all regulated”, underlines 60 million consumers.
Declining complaints
The magazine reports in particular allergies concerning items sold at La Halle. “We regularly register customer complaints for suspected allergies,” explains Laurent Lebrin, quality director of the brand specializing in the sale of clothing and shoes at low cost. She alone has identified 20 complaints since the start of the year.
But nothing exceptional, obviously. In 2015, 49 complaints had been received, and 39 in 2016. Manufacturers would proceed with a “progressive clean-up”, which would explain the drop in reports for 3 years, explains Mr. Lebrin.
Sensitive skin exposed
While for most consumers the substances seem harmless at the doses at which they are used, for others, more sensitive, they can cause serious reactions.
A customer of the Chaussea store in Petite-Forêt had thus developed a recalcitrant ulcer in the Achilles tendon. “If it does not work out, it may be necessary to have surgery,” the nurse told me, “she said at the time. The voice of the North.
#SmallForet A foot ulcer due – again! – Chinese shoes, bought from Chaussea https://t.co/5YmvAB0KQZ pic.twitter.com/HeuXIb7rws
– VDNValenciennes (@VDNValenciennes) July 19, 2017
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