Argos, Walmsley Furnishings and Land of Leather among the retailers expected to shell out millions of pounds in compensation to more than 1,600 people injured by toxic gas emitted from faulty sofas.
The three high street chains, along with 11 other retailers, could be ordered to pay more than £10m in compensation and legal costs to 1,675 people who suffered skin reactions and burns after coming into contact with the faulty sofas.

According to a report by BBC News, the case is already 'the largest group consumer compensation claim ever seen in British courts'.

Victims are said to have been treated for symptoms ranging from skin cancer to chemical burns and severe eczema. Two victims in Britain are reported to have died as a result of their injuries.

It was finally revealed that the skin conditions were caused by a reaction to a gas created by a chemical substance called dimethyl fumarate.

Known as DMF, sachets containing crystals of the chemical were placed in the sofas by Chinese manufacturers Linkwise, to prevent mould.

With the danger of the substance now realised, the EU plans to bring in a new directive, effective from May. It will require retailers to recall all goods that contain the harmful chemical and even remove the goods from people's homes if necessary.

The case is ongoing, however, as Land of Leather is now in administration, customers are unlikely to receive a refund or exchange for any faulty sofas purchased.