The toxic risks presented by imported furniture will be discussed at the
AFA Furniture Industry Training Conference in Melbourne.
International expert in product safety, Stephan Pesch will outline the
dangers of imported furniture commonly found in Australian homes, with tests
indicating the presence of harmful AZO dyes in imported household furniture
items. Stephan Pesch heads the furniture division of TUV Rheinland China.
TUV Rheinland is an international authority on safety and security, with
extensive experience in testing materials, products, plant and machinery.
According to Mr Pesch, Australian-made furniture, which is subject to
some of the world’s most stringent safeguards, does not pose any risk to
consumers.
However, imported furniture contains AZO dyes, carcinogenic
flame-retardants and formaldehyde; buying imported furniture therefore puts the
health of Australian families at risk.
The AFA Furniture Industry Training Conference will feature several high
profile speakers including Assistant Minister for Education, the Honourable
Sussan Ley, Dr Swee Mak of the CSIRO and Cameron Baker of Manufacturing Skills
Australia.
The AFA Furniture Industry Training Conference is taking place as part
of the Australian International Furniture Exhibition, which is being held at
the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne from 11 July to 13 July 2014.
