Epidemiological description of an outbreak of dermatitis related to dimethylfumarate, France, 2008.
Following similar events in other European countries, some cases of dermatitis related to contact with China-imported furniture possibly treated with dimethyl(E)-butenedioate (dimethylfumarate [DMF]) were reported to the French institute for public health surveillance at the beginning of September 2008. An active multisource case collection was conducted in order to provide an epidemiological description of this outbreak. Results of this investigation show that, in France, mainly during the 4th quarter of 2008, a large number of people presented dermatological symptoms at least plausibly due to a contact with DMF-treated consumer products. The products involved were mostly shoes and sofa (94% of cases). This work offers an example of a multipartner investigation in the field of environmental health. It also shows how the results obtained contributed to decision-making and resulted in the limitation of DMF-treated products in France and in Europe.
French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS), 12 rue du Val d'Osne, Saint Maurice cédex, France. a.lefranc@invs.sante.fr
Agnès
A
Lefranc
Françoise
F
Flesch
Amandine
A
Cochet
Jamel
J
Daoudi
Raphaël
R
Crinier
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D000069462:Dimethyl Fumarate; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D005650:Fumarates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
D005650:Fumarates; D000069462:Dimethyl Fumarate