Heather Chandler
January 3, 2013
This morning, the furniture store came to pick up my new, super sexy, contemporary, sectional sofa, leaving me with an empty living room.
The couch arrived less than three weeks ago, wrapped in a lovely, pewter-colored, velvety fabric with a cool rounded “bump out” feature on one end that took place of one arm. I started planning for this sofa about a year ago when I decided that the sofa I bought on craigslist for $50 seven years ago had long been showing its age, with cat clawed arms and stained cushions. I was also feeling the need for an upgrade in style. I wanted to replace the overstuffed comfy set with something sleeker and more contemporary. I kept an eye on craigslist, prepared to pay somewhat more than my last couch for something updated. I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted and after months of plowing through craigslist posts, decided that it was time to step up and purchase a new sofa. It was only the second piece of new furniture I have purchased in my lifetime (not counting my mattress). So you can imagine how excited I was.
I started looking around and finally settled on a couch at a locally owned furniture store nearby. I was familiar with issues of formaldehyde off-gassing from plywood used in cheaply made furniture, so I made a point to clarify with the sales rep (twice) that this couch featured a solid wood frame and no plywood. “Yes, solid wood.” I left feeling comfortable that while I’d spent more than I wanted to, I’d purchased a quality product that would last for years and be healthy and safe in my home.
The couch arrived a week before Christmas and within a couple of days I started to notice that my eyes and throat were burning when I sat on it for any length of time. I thought maybe it was just an initial off gassing, since it was brand new and that it would quickly pass. Simultaneously, I started noticing that I felt a bit spacey and even seemed to have trouble jumbling my words just a bit. I wanted to dismiss it as unrelated.
While I hoped the smell would quickly pass, I started researching online. Reading from others’ experiences, it seemed likely that I was reacting to either formaldehyde in a plywood or some other chemical VOCs from the foam, the flame retardants, glues or dyes in the fabric. I wanted it to all work out and reasoned that it couldn’t off gas for long, right? Aside from this, I was embarrassed. I felt like I should have known better.
Five days in, I called the company I bought the couch from to ask them about the smell. I was referred to the owner who assured me that he’d never received a complaint like that about the sofa and that they “sold a lot of them.” He was sure that it would go away and that I was probably more sensitive than most people. I asked him about the frame and he confirmed that there was plywood in the frame. I was frustrated that I’d been given incorrect information from the salesperson, but I decided to give it a little more time. I figured two weeks was a good benchmark. If in two weeks time, the smell was still as strong I would need to consider alternatives to keeping the couch.
In the meantime, I opened the windows to flush out the air every couple of days and borrowed an air purifier from a friend, hoping that would do the trick. Unfortunately, it didn’t. Each time that I sat on the couch for any length of time, I’d have the same reaction – red, burning eyes and throat. Whenever I walked into the living room, either first thing in the morning or when I’d come home I’d be overcome by what seemed like a noxious cloud.
I continued to research online and read things like “the chemicals found on couches are associated with neurological and reproductive problems, as well as cancer” and that according to a recent 2012 study that found that “chemicals made up roughly 10 percent of the weight of the entire cushion” on some couches. An article from the San Francisco Chronicle was helpful and alerted me to other possible chemicals in upholstered furniture including “Ethylene oxide, used in polyurethane foam and adhesives, a probable carcinogen that can also cause brain and nerve malfunctions.” Maybe my spaciness was not so unrelated after all.
I read further. “Hydrazine, a chemical used in textile dyes, is a probable carcinogen with a range of adverse health effects, and vinyl chloride, used in the making of some furniture, is a carcinogen that can cause liver damage with chronic exposure.” I also read that even for those without immediate violent reactions, there can be long-term effects, such as respiratory and heart ailments and cancer.
I’d read enough to be scared and take seriously the potential impact that my new couch might be having on my body. But what were my options. I’d spent a lot of money on this couch and had no reason to believe I’d be able to get my money back.
I consulted some friends and local experts including Lora Winslow, founder of the Naked Truth Project–a nonprofit that serves as a resource for nontoxic living and educating people about the links between human health and what we put on our bodies, in our bodies and in our homes–and Amanda Sears, Associate Director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center. Lora explained that toxins in the body accumulate and we never know what the exact tipping point is when the body says, “Enough” and responds by developing acute sensitivity to all chemicals.
Amanda and I talked about the prevalence and health risks associated with flame retardants, the usage of which has grown significantly over the past 30 years. I found two recent studies which identified the flame retardant, “Tris,” a suspected human carcinogen (banned for use in baby pajamas in the 1970s), as the most prevalent compound in couches tested (found in 41 – 52 % of them). Concentrations of the flame retardant chemicals in couches averaged 4 to 5 percent by weight, but some couches had over 11 percent. According to one of the studies, there are at least six different mixtures being used as flame retardants in furniture today. And the scientist went on to say that we know less about the health effects of these flame retardants than we do about previously-banned retardants. I’ll repeat that because it’s a lot of info to digest – we are using large amounts of chemicals in couches today that were banned for use in children’s clothing 40 years ago. Further, other chemicals that are being used have not even been fully tested to determine their effects on humans, adult or children.
**Important side note: flame retardants do not stay in the cushions. Over time, they break down and off-gas into the air, settling as dust on flat surfaces or the floor, providing one of the major routes of exposure to people
What scares me the most about all of this is that no one seems to have concrete evidence of the long term effects of exposure like this. But given what we do know, there’s good reason to be take it all very seriously.
I called the company I purchased the couch from and made arrangements for them to return the couch (minus a $100 restocking fee.)
Last night, I went to visit some of the local retailers that sell greener furniture options to see what I could learn. The owner of Endicott Home (known for its condo sized line of furniture and soon to be known for switching over their entire line of furniture to flame retardant-free cushions), suggested that my reaction was most likely not to the flame retardants, because they tend to not have a smell. He said I was likely reacting to formaldehyde in cheap plywood or chemical fabric treatments. He went on to explain that the effects of flame retardants in our furniture takes a bit more time as they break down from usage, get into the air and settle as dust on our floors and furniture. From here, our kids crawl on them or we touch them and they make their way into our bodies.
So where does this leave us?
We are all making the best decisions we can with the resources and information that we have available. I paid a significant amount for my couch (on sale) and it still made me sick. A better made, healthier alternative may cost twice as much, an amount that just doesn’t work for many budgets.
I’m beginning the search for my new couch a second time. I’m a bit more educated this time around and still hopeful that I will be able to find a couch that meets both my aesthetic desires as well as my environmental health ones. Having had a personal experience like this, I have renewed sympathies for those who suffer from chemical sensitivities. We may all be on a path towards the same if we don’t take serious steps to demand better from our furniture manufacturers – and quickly.
Some tips I learned along my brief journey:
- However tempting it is to buy that stylish, lower cost model, your health and the health of your family are not worth the risk.
- Buy used furniture if you can find it.
- Trust yourself – if you can smell chemicals and it’s affecting your eyes/throat, get rid of it. It’s likely doing nasty things to your body. This is a tough one, I know. No one wants to be “that person.” But our health is much more important.
- Buy upholstered furniture in the summer months when you can have windows open regularly.
- Purchase a floor model that has likely done a bit of it’s off gassing or ask the company to store the piece unwrapped in their warehouse for a couple of months. Even so, if you are buying a cheaply made model or a model that has been treated with flame retardants (most models today are) it is likely to off-gas and emit toxins over time.
- Dust your home (with a wet rag) and vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove flame retardant dust from your home on a regular basis.
- Do whatever you can to avoid buying furniture made with cheap plywood. Most furniture today includes plywood – the difference is where it comes from and what it’s made of. If it’s a greener option, the manufactures website will tell you that. If it doesn’t, it’s safe to assume it’s not the good kind.
Greener furniture options
Important things to look for:
Non-toxic, water based glues used to assemble the frame and the cushions
Natural fiber cushions or soy-based foam alternatives (30% soy foam appears to be the highest readily available option today with remaining foam being polyurethane, a petroleum product which has shown to be problematic itself).
Solid hardwood frames and plywood made without formaldehyde. Ideally, they are FSC or SFI certified wood products, made in the USA with water based adhesives
Water-based stains and low VOC sealers and finishes
No flame retardants (this is harder to find. See Endicott Furniture)
Local retailers:
EcoHome Studio – stocks two lines of eco-friendly furniture including Lazar’s Earth DesignsEndicott Home – recently transitioned their entire line of furniture models that use no flame retardants. In addition, the plywoods used in their models are made in the US with water based, non-toxic glues.
Cabot House – carries Century Furniture brand
Simply Home in Falmouth – carries the Lee Industries “Natural Lee” line of furniture. http://leeindustries.com/
Young’s Furniture in South Portland – A large portion of their products have been produced with eco-friendly
elements and sustainable materials
National Retailers carrying greener furniture lines:
Ikea
Crate & Barrel
Pottery Barn
Viesso
Resources
http://www.healthandenvironment.org/tddb
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/2012/toxic-couches
http://www.preventharm.org/Content/130.php
http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/What-s-in-furniture-It-s-enough-to-make-you-sick-3237613.php#page-1
http://www.greenerlives.net/2column.html
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Study-Chemicals-found-in-couches-could-make-you-sick-181304301.html
Heather Chandler
Heather Chandler is owner & publisher of The SunriseGuide.
Very well written and informative.
I just leased a Fiat 500e. I was very excited about the no emissions and no gas advantages of the electric Fiat. Unfortunately, the interior is completely toxic and is off-gassing. I don’t know if this material will change or continue to be this way. The dealer assured me it would go away but, I’m concerned because my skin, inside my ears and eyes burn and developed redness on my face.
I’m sad to report an electric car which is supposed to be great for the environment is not so great for my health.
Please share if you know the plastic in the car will stop off-gassing or if you have any suggestions.
I also am having issues with my new 2015 Nissan Leaf. I love the car but it has continued to offgass a very strong smell even after 3 and a half months and 8000 miles. My eyes, throat and lungs burn when I drive in it and especially at night. I also feel burning below my ribs almost like a nausea. Today we used an ozone machine in it and then had it steam cleaned and wiped down. So far we are not noticing a difference and still having the burning symptoms. We are wondering if we got a lemon or if they all off gas this bad and when does it stop?! And I thought I was making a healthier choice for the environment but it doesn’t appear to be the case for our health. Not sure what to do. We are going to talk to the dealership. Anyone else experiencing this?
I have similar effects from my 2015 00e, but I think in my case it is from the electro magnetic field of the car. I tested it and it is quite high, especially with the a.c. on moderately high. Do you have any discomfort when the car is not turned on or moving? I’m curious if the situation has improved – hopefully it has : )
Dear moderator, I hope you can edit my previous message to say “500e” instead of “00e” Thanks!
David,
I am interested to know how you resolved the problem with the electromagnetic field in the car. I bought a new car few weeks ago, and I think I have the same problem. Hope to hear from you.
Thanks Al.
My new Fiat 500 Lounge is making me sick. I test drove it with the top down, so it felt fine. Then I made the deal and drove it home with the roof closed as it was raining. By the time I got home I felt nauseated and had a sore head with a strain in the eyes. The car is a week old now and I still can only drive it with the top down and it still gives me a headache and soreness in the eyes. I’ve had it ozoned, and it did not make a difference. I’m taking it back to the dealership after the weekend to see what they will do as I cannot drive it without feeling sick.
Thanks Heather. I have been investigating buying a new couch for a little while and was learned that not only can unhealthy couches make families unhealthy, but they can cause illness in pets, some of whom (mine included) spend a large majority of their time on our couches, and when not there, are traveling and eating at floor level around our homes. Some researchers are linking the significant uptick in hyperthyroidism in cats to chemicals used in flame retardants and couch materials. I have investigated chemical-free couches and talked to Furnature in Watertown, MA http://furnature.clickforward.com who’ve seen a huge increase in popularity of their furniture despite the $6,000 for starters price tag. Still not sure what I’m going to do, but good of you to spread the word.
Thank you Susy for raising this incredibly important point. Animals are much smaller than us, so their threshold for chemicals is significantly lower. The effects of these chemicals on animals is often overlooked, so we appreciate you mentioning it.
On a related note, it is equally important to take caution when there are babies and small children in the house. Similar to pets, children spend a lot of time on the floor and on the couch, put things in their mouths, and have a much smaller body mass than adults. They are extremely vulnerable to these types of chemicals.
This is a great advice for paenrt’s who are sending their children off to college. I know most schools do not allow you to remove the mattress that is in the dorm so as a student, you get what you get. With a full mattress encasement and a nice organic topper you will not only keep any harmful chemicals away from your skin but you will get a better night’s sleep. A topper that can be customized is even better and will add a layer of comfort. In the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area of North Carolina, The Organic Bedroom has a great selection of organic mattress toppers as well as mattress pads and full encasements.
Heather,
Thank you for sharing your story.
I am sitting on my new (3 week old) couch, crying, reading your blog. I happened upon this blog because I am trying to figure out what to do.
My new couch was delivered 3 weeks ago while I was at work. I was so excited because this is the first brand new piece of furniture we’ve purchased in 18 years! (We have 5 boys, now grown. 🙂 Like you, I purchased my last couch from Craigslist. I walked in the door after work, that day, sat down on the couch, and was overcome by a chemical smell. My husband, sons, and mother couldn’t smell it.
My sister and best friend came over to see my new couch and I asked them if they could smell it. My friend, who sold furniture many years ago, said she could only faintly smell it. She told me it’s probably off-gassing and is possibly formaldehyde. I’d never heard of off-gassing. The chemical smell wasn’t bothering anyone but me.
Two days later, my throat was so sore and raw, I couldn’t breathe through my nose, and I felt awful. I went to the doctor and wound up on meds. I told the doctor that I think the chemical smell from the couch is making me sick, and he agreed it was possible.
Later that day, I called Ashley Furniture, where I purchased the couch. The person I spoke to told me I had to leave a voicemail for the district manager. The warehouse (not the district manager) finally called me back 3 days later asking when they could schedule a pick up for the couch. I asked again about the chemical and the girl said they don’t put chemicals on their furniture. She stated again that they would come get the couch, and order me a new one, which would take several weeks. I told her I had to think about what to do.
I decided to go to the store and talk with the manager to see if I could find out what chemical is on my couch, and see if he had any suggestions. He was actually nice and listened to me. He stated they don’t “treat” their furniture but that there are many different manufacturers used in producing the furniture and each manufacturer uses different chemicals. He went on to say that there was no way to know which manufacturer made what component of the couch and what chemical they used. He suggested opening the windows and airing out the couch. It is a Pottery Barn style couch, with deep, thick foam cushions and cotton duck fabric. I do not know anything about the wood frame. I asked the manager what alternatives he could offer me, if in a few weeks or months I still can’t tolerate the couch. He offered me a store credit. It wasn’t feasible to open the windows at that time. The weather is supposed to be a little warmer this weekend so I will try airing the house, but I’m not confident this is going to solve the problem. I also cannot spray the couch with anything, or burn candles or incense, as I am sensitive to those odors, as well.
At this point, I made baking soda sachets and placed them around the cushions. I also covered the couch with blankets, but the smell is still coming through. To make things worse, I sleep on the couch at night, (long story :). The medication has run its course, and this week I am feeling very dizzy and nauseas. When not at home, it takes awhile, but I do start to feel better. Mondays I feel worse after being exposed for two days over the weekend. Sitting here, on the couch, this evening, I am so dizzy and upset and I’ve only been home a few hours.
I could have them come and take the couch, but I’m not sure if I should ask them to store it for a few months until it finishes off-gassing, if I should buy a different couch, or press to get my money back. I’m worried that if I buy a different couch, it could have the same issues. I do not believe this store sells “green” furniture. This couch was a substantial purchase for me and I can’t afford to let the couch go, but I can’t keep something that is making me this sick. I still love the style of this couch but at this point, the couch I thought I was going to love, I am starting to hate.
I’m sorry this is so long, but I was so surprised to find someone who had the same issue. Thank You
You just described the exact sofa and chair I purchased at Ashley Furniture 2 weeks ago, the toxic smell is unbearable. I complained and they are sending me a new chair to try out to see if I got what they think is a “bad batch of foam” that didn’t “cure right” in the manufacturing process. I can’t sit on the furniture without my throat constricting and burning, my nose aching, my lungs burning, a headache, and a foul taste on my tongue. I paid nearly $2,000 for this furniture. I love the looks, the comfort, the style, it’s just unbearable to have in my house, it is literally making me sick.
I should also add, I have even tried leaving the chair outside in the fresh air to try to help get rid of the smell. It’s like poking a dragon with a stick, it seems to intensify the effect.
UV light (such as that from direct sunlight) or abrupt (large) temperature changes can increase or activate new off-gassing.
Hello Barnaby-
We bought a new sofa and love seat from Ashley 3 weeks ago. We are having the exact problem you described. I’m curious to know how your problem was resolved. Do you have any other advice for us?
Too bad we didn’t read your information before purchasing. 🙁
I’m so sorry to hear about your issues with the new couch. I had similar issues with a new high end sterns and foster mattress my husband and I purchased last fall. Same as you, I had dizzy headed feeling, sore throat and even worse, my eyes burned and the lids itched and swelled up like you wouldn’t believe! I went to the er the morning after sleeping on it and they told me it was an allergic reaction. Having been to a Halloween party the night before, I figured it must have been something in someone’s costume that I brushed up against. However, my problem did not go away, I worsened to the point that the ye dr diagnosed blepharitis in my eyes. It wasn’t until one night I slept on the couch because I didn’t want to disturb my husband with a restless night I was having and noticed somewhat of an improvement the next day. We tried airing out the set in fresh air several times and covering with enclosed plastic casings to no avail. Ended up selling it as the store was uncooperative about a refund. I lost 300. But it was such a relief to get rid of the source of my torment. Of course it was Aaron painful eye opener to the risks of chemicals in furniture and we are on a very tight budget so a very stressful situation in many ways, but you can’t put a price on your health. You only get one body in this life! Oh yes you might try taking colostrum by Symbiotics to boost your immune system or try charcoal felt under the cushions..the kind the military uses to combat chemicals in warfare. That was my next move, but ultimately I decided to get rid of the mattresss as I would always feel as if I was doing something harmful to my body by sleeping on it every night. The company I found is called Nirvana Safe Haven and a lovely woman named Daliyah was very helpful with info. Maybe she can assist you…I forget the web address but number us 1-800-968-9355. Best wishes!
We bought a Tempurpedic in July 2015 from Ashley Furniture store. When our bed was delivered there was a very strong chemical smell. I was told by the delivery guy that the smell would leave within a couple days. I asked if it was safe to breath that and was told it was safe not to worry. Well as we slept on this very expensive bed I started getting sicker and sicker. To the point I was at my Drs office 3 times in a week. After numerous blood test that came back negative. I was at a loss as to why I was feeling so poorly. Then one day about a week ago my boss said maybe it’s the new bed making me sick. So I started looking at the timeline from the day of delivery and started reserching the internet and could not believe what I was reading. There were many people with my exact symptoms. I could not believe a bed could make me feel this sick. We immediately took the bed out of the house and started sleeping on our old bed in the guest room.within a couple days I was slowly starting to fill a little better by the fourth night I was able to sleep again and was not waking up nauseated. I’m now going through a detox to help rid my body of the toxic chemicals the Tempurpedic bed emitted. My husband only had a couple issues from the bed which was leg cramps, heat and he started developing a cough that would only occur at night once he laid down on the bed. Unfortunately I had many symptoms occur. Nausea, unable to sleep, heart palpations, itchy watery eyes ( woke up twice with eye crusty, red) which lasted a few days each time. I then realized that every time I went to bed my eyes would itch and burn really bad but would be fine once I was not in bed. I would fall asleep for like an hour and wake up with what I can only describe as a wired feeling and heart palpations and was not able to fall back asleep. I felt like I was wired. I was lucky if I slept 1 or 2 hours a nite. My body felt exremely week, I was unable to concentrate or focus clearly. My Dr. said I was suffering from exteme anxiety and depression ( and I had nothing traumatic happen to cause the anxiety or depression).I also had Night Sweats and It felt as if my body was just shutting down on me. Also the bed still smells really bad and our room that the bed was in still riques of the smell from the mattress. We are airing out the room everyday. The bed is now in a plastic zippered cover in the garage and is now stinking up our garage.
Update: We were able to return the mattress to Ashley Furniture (the manager also said he never heard of anyone getting sick from a bed. some how I think they are full of crap when they say that. Especially after all the post I’ve seen on the internet) that was only after a few threats of standing outside their store and passing out flyers on how toxic the furniture is. Of course they only let us replace it with another mattress of our choice so we got the Stearns And Foster Lux Series. They just delivered it this week 9/30\15 . I have it in the room and letting it air out for a few days with the window open. That few day turned into 2 weeks of letting the mattress air out. I am really apprehensive about sleeping in the new bed. I just do not want to get sick like I did from the Tempurpedic.
Finally slept on the new Stearns and Foster on 10/11/15. The bed is comfy and I slept pretty good for the first few nights. But now after a week of sleeping on it I started noticing getting the foggy headed feeling again the last couple days and last night I didn’t sleep well at all. Thinking I might be having issues with the off gassing again. Although this bed does not seem to have the odor that the Tempurpedic had. So I jumped back on the internet to do some more research on this and found your blog. I think I will be switching the beds. I will put my old set back into the master bedroom and the new one in the guestroom as I already know Ashley Furniture will probably not take it back. I also came across an interesting post that said once you’ve been affected by the chemicals that you will have a lowered tolerance the next time you come into contact with them. I’m thinking I will only be buying used furniture in the future or build my own. Its a shame that so many of us are sensitive to these chemicals and nothing is being done to change the way our furniture is made 😞
I am having the same experience with my new furniture. I have a headache, my head feels like it’s in a vise, and I’m nauseous. I had no idea that I was sensitive to chemicals. I’ve never had an allergy or a reaction to anything in my environment. I will have to return the sofa – 20% restocking fee plus delivery charge. I feel I have no choice. Now I’m concerned that I won’t ever be able to buy new furniture.
I am currently trying to return a second Lazy Boy recliner, purchased at two different locations. I am experiencing all of the symptoms mentioned above, I should have know better, but I have moved into a new apartment and wanted a nice comfortable recliner to relax and watch TV on.
I just received a call from Erickson’s in Everett where I purchased the second chair. They want me to exchange it for another chair. I explained that is not an option as the cushioning is the same in all LZ Boy chairs, being petroleum based and that I am having severe reactions to it. She said that she will call the rep again, that they will charge me a re-stocking fee AND $50 to pick it up! I live 3 blocks away. Expensive lesson. Now I must find a non-toxic furniture store and start the journey again.
Best of luck to all who have become sensitized to the chemicals used all around us, in many forms.
Thank you for your input.
Hi …. So far I have had the same symptoms with 2 La Z Boy recliners and 1 England brand recliner an affiliate with La Z Boy. The first 2 recliners were delivered to my residence and within 1 hour my arms, legs and neck were itching with a red rash developing in those areas. My eyes were also burning and my throat began to swell. I called the store and received an immediate refund after they came to pick up the chairs. Of course the store personnel have “never ever heard of the problem before”. I know I shouldn’t have purchased the second La Z Boy chair but also thought the problem couldn’t be across their entire product line. Yes I was stupid. The problem with the 3rd chair (England) actually occurred before the chair was even delivered. After sitting in the chair in the store for about 15 minutes I purchased it not realizing La Z Boy and England were related. While driving home my arms began to itch and when I returned home I noticed a red rash on the underside of each forearm that had contacted the arms of the chair. I also had red rash areas on my neck. I will be calling the dealer store this morning to cancel the chair purchase due to my issues. Hopefully they will allow the cancellation. I had also made this store aware of my previous issues with recliners and they were also perplexed since they “had never heard of this issue before”.
I’m now at a loss of how I should replace my current 25 year old recliner that is in really bad shape. Are there any recliner manufacturers out there that don’t fill their products with chemicals?
Thank you Bonnie for publishing your story.
I, too, have a relatively new Lazy Boy chair. I can sit in it for about ten minutes then my throat is irritated making me cough for some time.
Do you have any advice?
I just purchased a coffee table, end table and console table from Ashley. Holy moly the chemical smells are making me sick! My eyes water, throat is sore, a slight headache, some coughing, dizzy and kind of nauseas. I had to buy an Austin Healthmate air purifier to soak up the chemicals that are off gassing from the furniture. I don’t think I will buy anything from Ashley again. In fact, I am wanting to remodel more of my house but because of my chemical sensitivities, I’m not sure I will be able to without making myself sick…I am definitely allergic to formaldehyde, chemical glues and high voc stains…
Purchased a power recliner from Lazy Boy. Upon delivery I began to feel I’ll. My eyes were burning and itchy. My asthma started up. The strong chemical odors were awe full. I contacted the store. They seemed reluctant to believe what was happening but finally picked up the sofa. Researching on line I was able to find a few sofas that did not contain flame retardants and we’re made from more eco friendly products. We found a great sofa by Rowe and have had no problems. Thank goodness.
Hello to all,
I too have the same problem. I purchased a couch from a local store but I found out from the store it’s made in China. Mine supposedly isn’t flame retardent but has sachels of mold retardent in the sofa (who knows where). I’ve had for about 4 days and have done nothing but vacum and clean and even have air purifiers going but the dust from the sachels gets everywhere.
Curious I also had my downstairs neighbor sit on it, he said he didn’t itch but he could smell the chemical which is probably why it’s not been banned as some people aren’t having the horrific reactions to it like me (and like most of you).
At first the furniture store wasn’t going to take the couch back, but I politely warned them that they will no doubt have a law suit on their hands if they don’t so they will be but it will take a few days.
So — what you need to do right now is protect yourself. Move the couch to a separate room or the garage but if you can’t at least get a roll of durable plastic from the store and completely cover the couch and put the pillows in a plastic bag. If you can’t buy a roll of plastic then at least use some plastic garbage bags… Cloth or blankets will not do it as it seeps through the material. I know and once I did this I felt immediately 40% better.
If you’re driving a car, wrap the seats in plastic too and see if that helps. I cannot be positive but was told cars from there are banned here, but car seats made there are not.
I immediately felt 40% better, but now I have to vacuum and dust. You can use Windex or baking soda… both help attract the retardant…
The other side note to this is that for the past 5 years or so I’ve also had this happen with laundry soaps as well like Tide and Gain not understanding fully why but at that point I then started purchasing free and clear brands like Purex but eventually they (I think) are all adding some kind of mold retardant type chemical — the only thing I found that gave me relief from cloths that were contaminated was to spray them with windex and wash them several times and now I make my own laundry soap, just using 2 cups baking soda in a gallon of water. I put some in the washer then add half the cloths, then some more and then some more on top. Call me crazy but at least I know what’s next to my skin isn’t going to kill or make me itch.
The other thing? When you buy anything, even clothing you should unwrap it outside and leave it outside if you can and then wash everything prior to putting in your closet thoroughly with baking soda…
I just had pillows made for a sectional sofa. When I enter the room where the sofa is I feel like I need to cough and my throat constricts. The fabric is Sunbrella , but I dont know what the cusions are made of. I feel better when upstairs away fronm the sofa with the air purifier going. Not sure how to approach this issue with the upolsterer.
Hello Paula-
I’m curious to hear if your problem was ever resolved. We bought a couch and matching love-seat from Ashley 3 weeks ago. We have the same issue with ours as you described. We thought the smell would be gone by now, but
it still bothers both my wife and myself.
Do you have any advice for us?
Thanks
Hi Brian,
Sorry to hear about your situation. I purchased a couch from Jerome’s and loved it. But within a few hours, that new couch smell turned into a nightmare. I tried to return it but was told since I purchased it online I wasn’t eligible. Go figure. I swear those chemicals were attacking my central nervious system. My lips got irritated and raw, I had headaches, was dizzy, it was horrible. I put the frame on my deck outside and still after two months I couldn’t bring it inside. It wasn’t the cushions or fabric, it was the frame. Formaldehyde in the wood, chemicals in the glue, all of it bad. Had no idea this would happen. After a couple of attemps during the two months I would bring it in to see if it was better, but it never got better. Just basically gave the couch away. Baking soda, febreze, vacumming… none of it works. Ashley says they ise 99% formaldehyde free adhesive, and no VOC finish but they are clearly using something else since you are saying you are having the same issue I had with Jerome’s. My advise – Buy very expensive or used. You want a solid wood frame. No composite, no mdf, no glued joints, no formaldehyde, no VOC. Basically it’s gonna cost more for quality.
We purchased a Pottery Barn sectional and love seat, and I have been miserable. My eyes water and burn, my throat hurts, and I feel nauseous. I called PB, and the woman was very nice and said they would give us our money back. We will probably be sending it back in the next 2 weeks.
i just bought my ashley furniture, I’ve only had it one week and it smells awful.. i love this furniture its so comfortable but im not sure if i can handle this smell.. im going to air out my house every day possible to see if it helps.. I’m like you ive waited 14 years for furniture and its pretty sad you cant buy something that won’t kill you. im so hoping this goes away.
We are having this exact same issue with a new couch we just purchased from a discount furniture store. I found your blog post when doing a google search. Do you know of any companies outside of Main that offer Greener furniture options?
Thanks for your post. There are a few national retailers listed in the resource list above. You may also want to go to the websites for some of the manufacturers listing: Lazar’s Earth Designs, Century Furniture, and Lee Industries “Natural Lee” line. The sites should be able to give you a list of local stores.
We bought our couch and chair from Rooms to Go several weeks ago. I have been short of breath..nose running and coughing ever since. The smell makes my eyes water.
Bought a kivik couch from Ikea. The smell is still overpowering. I have burning eyes, nausea and I even fainted upon sitting on it for 30 minutes. My dogs will not go near it.
Thanks Ikea, they are picking it up and returning my money.
I have been smelling a gassy smell on and off for over a year, I thought it was our condo we lived in or the expressway that we are closely located to. We moved and the smell has reappeared, so I decided to investigate and it is the sofa! I am so angry after reading this article. I emailed Sklar Peppler to see if they will return it. Thank you for the information.
We have our 4th new recliner since June of 2013. The first two smelled so strongly of chemicals that the nationally branded chain took them back. Chair #3 arrived in the wrong fabric, so never came into our home. Chair #4 has been in our home for less than 2 weeks, and it grows more offensive with each day. None of the smelly chairs seemed to give off any offensive odors in the store, but began to off gas as soon as they were brought into our home. I’m sure it’s warmer and more enclosed in our house than in the store or warehouse, which is a catalyst for the off gassing. I have the same issues with burning eyes, stuffy sinuses, etc, as previous posters have listed. I actually can smell the chair on my clothes and body after sitting in it for a short time. I even smell the chemicals on my pillow when I wake at night. I am entirely frustrated and disgusted with the whole matter. The store has had a large chunk of my money for 11 plus months, and I still don’t have an acceptable recliner. We will call again tomorrow to schedule another pick up, and take the refund that was offered to us earlier.
I see a lot of post saying Ashley Furniture, I’ve recently purchases a living room set from them as well. And like all of you, it has this awful smell that won’t go away! However I haven’t had any physical reactions to the smell (burning eyes, throat, headache, etc.) But now I’m very concerned about what the long term affects are going to be from this toxic furniture!
I will be 86 next week and my Wonderful son bought me a great Recliner…It was delivered a few days ago and proved to be quite comfortable and looks real nice in my living room…After sitting in it a little while I felt a little Dizzy but felt maybe it was I wasnt used to sitting with my legs elevated for any length of time…Well the feelingg has not gotten any better but when I told my Family about it they said it was all in my head because I had looked it up on the computer…I have to pride myself with excelent health being my old age but since I got the chair I must say I am feeling very weak…Things I always did easily now have become a chore…I also got a sore throat and my eyes burned…I dont know what to do now…I dont want my son to feel bad about buying the chair for me as he has always been very good to me,but I feel keeping this chair is making me sick…I just wish the family would understand..What a shame we cant even enjoy anything new now a days…Crazy World…Oh for the Good Old days…
Don’t worry, you’re son will understand in the end, since you’re obviously very grateful for the gesture and think it looks and feels nice. Of course, you’re not crazy (it’s not all in your head). Like you said, the world is crazy.
Just see if it can be returned. If not, see if your son or another relative could just take it to their house “to see if you get better”. And when you get better (after airing out the house), you can let them know that there’s no way you can have it in your house, even though you appreciate it.
Your health is too important! You’ve got to get it out of your house ASAP!
I, too, purchased leather furniture several months ago and have been having the same issues. I have aired the room nearly continually and I’ve had a fan in the room, and I still can’t sit on it w/o feeling an irritation in breathing and in my eyes. I even waited to order it until after the flame retardants used in cushions was no longer required. It even stated on the order form that no flame retardant chemicals were to be used. I love the sofa but I don’t know if it’s ever going to get better. The furniture was made by Comfort Design. Beautiful, expensive, but I can’t sit on it.
Hi Bernie, just wandering if the smell ever came out of your Comfort Design furniture. I just had two recliners delivered to me 2 weeks ago and the smell is terrible. I am unsure of what to do about it, wandering if it goes away after a bit.
I am so thankful to have found this blog! We purchased our couch and loveseat set off of Craigslist almost a year ago. It was practically brand new and we got a great deal on it. It too, is Ashley brand furniture. A little over 3 months ago I developed an itchy rash on my calves. At first, I thought it was bug bites or something like that. Of course, I freaked out and turned the house upside down for any signs of bed bugs or something that would explain the rash. I found absolutely nothing. It clearly looks like contact dermatitis, but I couldn’t account for contact with anything new, so it was a mystery. Went to the doctor twice, was given cortisone cream and was put on a prednisone taper. Nothing helped. I also had several other symptoms consistent with an allergic reaction, i.e. throat constricted a little, headache, feeling “out of it” and just an overall fatigue. Then, it occurred to me that the rash was developing on areas of my body that touched my couch! I did a little experiment to see if it made a difference when I wore pants instead of shorts, long sleeves instead of short sleeves, etc. Sure enough, my experiment worked and proved I am allergic to my couch.
Has anyone else had the rash I have been experiencing? It’s kind of scary to think about being so sensitive to these chemicals because there are so many of them used in everyday items and we don’t even think about it.
I’m just happy that I’m not losing my mind and this is a real, proven problem. Now, I just have to find something I’m not allergic too and I can actually afford.
I have had a similar problem with rashes. I recently purchased to leather recliners from Furniture Warehouse here in Ellenton, FL. The chairs are manufactured by Best Home Furniture. A week after I received them, I noticed I was getting a rash on my legs, arms and base of my neck. I went to the doctor who gave me a cortisone shot and suggested some ointments. Three says later I was back in the doctor’s office since the rash was worse and nothing had helped. I had had medications changed thinking that that was the problem and used everything I could find to get relief. Several days later, I suddenly realized that the problem was the recliner I was sitting on. I went back to Furniture Warehouse, where I purchased it, but they said they had had no complaints from anyone else and that since I had had it for 19 days they could not take back the 2 recliners. Their policy was a 7 days return limit. Well, I am currently sitting on a lawn chair in my living room since I can’t use the recliners nor can I afford to replace them….they were rather expensive. So…what am I to do? I just mailed a letter, certified mail, return receipt, to both the CEO’s of Best Home Furniture and American Furniture Warehouse asking them for remedies or replacement or refund. I am not allergic to leather. So, it has to be the chemicals in the tanning, fire retardant or the adhesives used in the making. I’m hoping their response will be a remedy since I do love the recliners. We will see.
OMG you guys!
been dealing with health issues since i bought my couch about 2 years ago, also Ashley furniture store and ive been sick without knowing what it was.
i had developed a rash in my calves that it was so intense i had to cover all the fabric with sheets so i could use it.
at the same time i was having breathing problems that i did not relate to the couch but thought it would be due to living in LA and having a reacion to the pollution in general.
i am ready to get another couch and been doing a bit of research. Ive found out the chemicals use here in the USA such as dimenthyl fumarate and formaldehyde are prohibited in Europe so companies that are based in the old continent cannot have such chemicals in their manufacturing. First name they listed is IKEA.
I am now a bit confused because i think one of you mentioned you had the same situation with an IKEA couch!
i am confused and lost….:( but i am not giving up until i find a reasonable couch that is not toxic!
I have recently come to discover that my entire house is permeated by off-gassing from an air mattress replacement two years ago. When I received it, inflated and went of vacation. Upon returning I reassembled the bed. During the time I was on vacation, I had my bedroom painted.
I noticed that after this point in time, I started to notice a smell in my home. I called the sewer department and they checked out the lines and said there were no leaks. I have my plumbing come into my home and he said no sewer smell and that I would know it when I smelled it — it will badly stink of sewer.
I continued to sleep in the bedroom for 14 months. Waking up not fully rested and slowing losing my ability to think. In November of 2013 I had surgery which required me to sleep in another room. By this time I was only sleeping 4 hours a night. I went to my doctor who adjusted the thyroid medication saying too high dose can cause brain fog. The dose reduction continued over 7 months with physically feeling better but the brain fog remained.
Two weeks ago I took an hour nap in the air mattress bedroom and when I woke up I had a bad headache. After that happened, I kept thinking it has to be an environmental issue. I decided to sleep at my sister’s house for two consecutive nights to see if there was any difference. I noticed when I woke up my head was clearer and I slept 7 hours. Also her house smelled clean, like outside air, and when I came home each morning my house smelled like it had been shuttered for 10 years.
When I took my nap the air mattress bed seemed to sag in the hip area and I decided to find out why. This meant disassembling the bed entirely. When I upzipped the air mattress cover, which holds the two air chambers and edging forms, a terrible smell was emitted.
I called the manufacturer and they said it was off-gassing smell and to air out all the components for 2 days outside when it is sunny, breezy and low humidity. I am in the process of doing this. I was told when I put the bed together to place non-fragrant dryer sheets in between the mattress cover and the air chambers and that the dryer sheets will absorb the smell.
I have been leaving windows and patio door open during the day which is helping a little.. but what about the fabric on my furniture and the lined drapes throughout the house? What about the clothing in the closets and drawers? I kept telling my sister that my pajamas in the dresser always seemed bad when I pulled one out that I had just washed the previous weekend.
My question is – how do I detox the rest of my house and possessions which have been permeated by this smell?
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an informative post!
We had our new chaise lounge delivered yesterday and the off-gassing coming from the seat cushions is more than incredible. I had to leave the whole house open over night last night to try and keep the smell as minimal as possible, which didn’t work, and woke this morning woke up with my glands swollen, all chocked up and my face aching from the swelling. I put the cushions outside in the sun in hope they would air out. By mid afternoon nothing had changed so I called the store, and after several calls back and forth was told “that lounge is one of our best sellers and I am gobsmacked that it smells so much, we have never had any complaints”. I insisted they come and smell for themselves. They have arranged to come mid morning tomorrow but after reading everything I have tonight I will be calling them first thing in the morning for them to come and pick it and get a refund. I’m sure I will have a fight on my hands but I will NOT have this furniture in my house for another 24 hours, its toxic and dangerous! I cant believe these people sleep at night knowing they sell furniture that can have such detrimental effects on peoples health. Come to think of it… what about the people who make the furniture, can you imagine the smell and toxicity in those places!!!
Bought 2 Ashley McAdams – Brown Reclining Sofas from Pilgrim Furniture. They were delivered on 12/1/2014. The smell is unbearable. My upper respiratory tract is irritated and burns. I’m not looking forward to arguing with the wife about returning these. I hope to find a better alternative.
Hi, all,
I recently had the same problem with VOCs from my new mattress off-gassing! I am a professional chemist with some experience in this area, so I came up with some tips to help you guys, feel free to share or add your own tips.
RECOMMENDED TIPS TO REDUCE / GET RID OF OFF-GASSING
UV LIGHT
Your best bet is exposure to UV light and the biggest source of that is the sun. If you’re home 24/7 you could just lay your mattress or furniture in the backyard and let it bake. If that’s not possible due to weather / dirt issues, sunlight through the garage door window is the next best. Many of these long-chain aldehydes, ethers, and volatile long-chain polycarbons break down in UV light into harmless carbon dioxide, water vapor, and/or methane. If you live in a dark area with no sun, the next best idea is to buy an industrial grade UV lamp (don’t look into these with your eyes) and shine it on your mattress at night for 2 or 3 hours to break down the gases, but not too long because UV will also harm the fibers in your furniture.
HEAT
Best idea is a portable heater, blower, fan for rapid short-term heating of the volatile chemicals in the garage. Be sure to crack open a side door to let in some air to vent out the chemicals. This can consume a lot of electricity, and it’s also time consuming to move the fan, blower manually to cover the entire surface area. One idea that worked for me is I bought a heated mattress pad and just laid it out on my garage floor. Then I placed the mattress on top of it, upside down, and let it just heat it overnight on the highest setting. After 2 nights of this I could hardly smell anymore fumes from my mattress.
Mike T from Corona, CA
Thank you for these recommendations… I am still concerned about the fact that the chemicals will still be there and would be harmful. As a chemist, can you advise what dangers there chemicals have on humans and animals?
Just to clarify the above. The heating method doesn’t actually break down any chemicals, it just accelerates the off-gassing so the gas dissipates quicker.
You could actually go full-blast and run both the heater and the UV/sunlight for maximum efficiency.
Your efficiency will depend on the type of chemicals involved, but most VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are low boiling point liquids, kind of like rubbing alcohol, or butane, where it will evaporate very slowly if it’s cold (below the boiling point) and rapidly when it’s hot (above the boiling point). Kind of like if you leave a glass of wine out too long the alcohol will evaporate away.
For furniture that have a natural liquid barrier (like a faux leather sofa) you could actually use a rag soaked in diluted rubbing alcohol or vodka and try to wipe away the smell if it’s coming from the surface. If it’s coming from inside, then you have no choice but to drive it off with heat and UV.
Mike T from Corona, CA
Heather, read you article and it is exactly the same nightmare I am going though now.
My question is, did you ever find a recliner it any sofa or bedroom furniture you could sleep on without these symptoms?
I live in South Florida and down here quality like your talking about in like a foreign language. I would pay anything just to have a bed, so if a sleeper sofa or bed without the contact dermatitis, eye conjunctivitis and other immunity issues you describe. Please advise if you resolved this issue and where and what you did. Thanks for your time. Jeffrey Randall.
We purchased a couch recliner several months ago from Lazy Boy. After waiting eight weeks for delivery, we were delighted to get it before Christmas. Our delight quickly turned to headaches, sore throats, sore eyes, bitter taste in our mouth and chest tightness within hours of sitting on the couch. The chemical smell was very strong. We thought at first it might be the stain guard we had put on it at the factory and called the store to see if that might be the problem. They said no one had ever complained about having health problems related to the new couch smell before and assured us that it was just that “new furniture smell”. Long story short, we continued to contact the store, they sent someone out to smell the couch, who said he didn’t smell anything! We finally ended up putting the couch in the garage. We continued to call the store, they would not return our money but would pick up the couch and either give us store credit or order us another couch assuring us that we should not have this problem again. Well after eight weeks our new couch arrived and again we had the same problem, so into the garage it sits. When is the EPA going to do something about this? I was told as long as we are not ingesting the product it is safe, are they kidding? Thank goodness for posts like these to inform people to the danger in the products we are bringing into our homes today. I wish we had done some research before we bought.
Jackie, We had our Lazy Boy recliner couch delivered the same time as you. It is now September and it still stinks. It has been sitting out on our 3 season porch since May. It still smells. I had the same experience as you, Lazy boy sent someone out, said they didn’t smell anything and that no one else complained! Nonsense! I was hoping that the summer hot weather would have completed the off-gassing but I guess not. I probably will get rid of the couch. I am so angry about this whole situation.
We purchased our recliner couch from Lazy Boy in October, 2014, it was delivered in eight weeks just before Christmas to our delight. By the end of the day we were suffering, sore throat, headache, burning eyes, chest tightness. We live in the northeast so opening windows was not an option. We thought at first it was the Ultra Shield furniture protection we had put on the fabric. After consulting with the sales person and the company we were assured that it has no odor or hazardous chemicals. We were told that we were the first people to ever complain about their furniture having a smell and causing the problems we were having, they even sent someone out to smell the couch, who then said he didn’t smell anything. Long story short, we moved the couch to the garage and asked for our money back. No can do they said maybe it was just a bad batch of foam and would order us a new one. So foolishly we did that, it was delivered last week and they took the other one back to be destroyed they said. The new couch has the same awful smell, same health problems so this one is now in the garage. I am so thankful for posts like this to inform the public since it seems the EPA is not doing enough to keep us safe. I wish we had done our homework before we bought. Thank goodness we did not give our very old, no odor couch away because its back in our house and we can breathe easy.
Heather, I am so relieved (in a not so great way) to have found your letter here and all the ensuing comments it prompted. Your story is the same as mine, almost word-for-word. I had the same furniture for over 20 years and decided it was time for an upgrade. My husband and I searched and searched and found exactly what we wanted at Ashley Furniture and were soooo excited to get the big sectional couch from into our living room. It arrived last Wednesday, and I noticed the very strong chemical odor immediately but hoped it would dissipate quickly. Within 36 hours of the couch being in our house, my throat was sore and raw, my husband and 10yr old had headaches and my 8yr old was covered in hives. I called the Ashley store we bought it from on Monday and spoke to a nice man who assured me this is the first he’s heard of this problem and he’d have the manager call me. The couch is everything I wanted but I can’t live with it in my house. My 8yr old and I can’t even be in the same room with it because our symptoms (my throat and her hives) aren’t going away, but they get worse when we spend any amount of time in the room (without even SITTING on the couch!!!). I’m so discouraged and I’m not sure what the Ashley people will do (I haven’t heard back from anyone yet, so I called and left another message today). 🙁
I have a recliner couch I purchased from craigslist. It is a Lazy Boy. Whenever I set in it the top right side of my head burns terribly. Then, I get so sleepy. I am not sure if I get sleepy from the depressive state of the burn or what? I even went and had an MRI, trying to figure out the burn. It has taken me months to realize and narrow down everything in my home to understand that it is only when I sit the couch. I am so glad to come here and read you comments. Now, I need to decide what to replace it with?
I purchased two Ashley Furniture couches a month ago. Within the first 24 hours I couldn’t breathe because my lungs were so tight. I do not have asthma but I sure felt like it! My eyes watered and my throat was sore.My skin itched a little when sitting on it and My dog even started coughing so I called the Vet. I tried to air out the house, use a fan but it was snowing like crazy out so I couldn’t leave the windows open all of the time. After 5 days I contacted the furniture store and requested they pick up the couches asap. They did and charged me the pick up charge and gave me a full refund. I would have paid anything to get these couches out of my house. While beautiful, they made me so sick. I had to see the doctor and take medication and use an inhaler for a few days. Once gone I aired out my house and in a few days I felt so much better and the dog stopped coughing. I have never written on a site like this before but wanted to let others know my experience. I moved the old couch back in and I am researching companies now. I have never had an experience like that before and I am so hesitant to purchase another couch
Sitting here waiting for Macy’s to come pick up my Lazio leather power recliner and they can’t get here soon enough. My story sounds like everyone else accept I am not paying restocking or delivery. And why should I. My husband and I have been sick ever since it got here. It smells so bad I try to leave the house when ever possible. Like every one else the sales staff say they have never heard of this problem. Well obviously with all of these posts there has to be a problem. I wish I had legal recourse because I already have an impaired immune system so this is just GREAT. Who knows how these chemicals are affecting my health. I just want it out of here!
I decided to recover my 28 yr old sofa and loveseat because i love them. After endless searching i found the most perfect fabric. I bought it, brought it home and spread it out across the sofa to see how it would look. It was gorgeous. By the next morning the off gassing fumes were so horrid i took the whole piece of fabric outside and put on my deck benches to air out. Even though my backyard is large and completely open the fumes were horrible even when the fabric was outside. the fabric store very apologetically gave me a full refund.
THAT is just one of the probs i’ve recently had. My entire upstairs was recarpeted with Mohawk wall to wall carpet; it was beautiful, and installed beautifully . Within one day i was living on an inhaler 4 times a day. I NEVER use an inhaler or meds for my asthma unless I inadvertently come in contact with a cat. After months of all windows open 24.7 the carpet had to be ripped out. Mohawk denied any chemicals of theirs cd cause the prob. The seller though took back the carpet and reinbursed me adequately for all the issues.
I found this site because I am not confronted with materials used behind the new tile [paint on waterproofing membrane] in my little shower. The offgassing fumes have continued for 3 months and I cannot use the bathroom. I get dizzy, my nose runs and it’s awful. Friends have gone into the bathroom and come out immed complaining of the fumes. So it isn’t simply that I have a particular sensitity to it; of course, the company says, “oh, we’ve never had a problem before”.
One thing I have learned in my research during the carpet issue is that if you do have allergies, not all Green products are good , e.g. jute is a natural product which i am very allergic to . However, sadly, i now realize that one must be prepared for offgassing toxic fumes in anything new.
My husband and I purchased a leather sofa from Macys 3 months ago, the Alyssia. When it was delivered, the air in my living room was so thick with a chemical smell that I would get a headache, my throat would itch and eyes would water. I thought the smell would dissipate as time went by, but after 3 months I still smell the chemical odor. What is worse is that whenever I sit on the sofa, my clothes end up smelling like chemicals. Upset and frustrated, I called Macys, and they sent a technician to “sniff” the couch. He admitted that it smelled unusually strong, but said there was nothing physically wrong with it. I was advised to put boxes of baking soda to essentially mask the odor. I then called Macys customer service and they told me that the smell is leather, not chemicals and that I could not get a refund. I’m so upset with Macys, and I will never buy anything from them again.
What color was your leather sofa? We just bought a cream colored leather sofa from Macy’s and the chemical smell (like chlorine or bleach) is horrible. My mom bought a brown leather sofa from Macy’s and did not have problems. I’m wondering if I’ll have better luck with a brown leather. Luckily my sofa came damaged and they were going to exchange it but instead we are returning it without any fee (due to damage). They said it would not have been returnable if not for that other damage. However, now I’m stuck wondering where to buy another leather sofa. Just wondering what you did. Thanks.
This chemical odor thing has happened to me twice:
The first time was with a couch I bought from Walmart on line about two years ago. It reeked of a strange overpowering chemical odor. It was very strong like formaldehyde is very strong, but it wasn’t formaldehyde because I know what formaldehyde smells like. It was something else. The closest thing I can come up with to compare it to is insecticide or some form of neurotoxin. I just don’t really know since I am not a chemist and I don’t own a mass spectrometer that I can analyse it with. I was not the only person who couldn’t stand the odor. My son , my husband, and three family friends also commented on the odor and how it was giving them a headache. I kept the couch for a week hoping it would air out but it didn’t. Bless their heart, Walmart took back the couch and gave me a full refund with no arguments. They even refunded the shipping costs. That does not seem to be the case with other retailers from the comments I read here.
Fast forward to last week. I ordered a futon mattress cover from Walmart.com again only this time it was through a subvendor called Cymax. The mattress cover arrived last week and I smelled that same distinctive chemical odor that was on the couch two years before. I thought Oh no, not again! This time I decided to try to get the odor out myself since it was a just mattress cover that was not upholstered to a piece of furniture. I washed it in the washing machine with a mild detergent. It still reeked, so I washed it again, this time with 2 cups of “Febreeze Laundry Odor Eliminator.” I still didn’t notice even the slightest dent in the odor. My husband said it’s the same thing as two years ago. He made me box the thing up and put it in the garage.
Since Cymax is a subvendor to Walmart, I am going through more of a challenge in getting my money back. I called Cymax and they made me call the mattress cover manufacturer, a place called Blazing Needles in Dallas TX. I called them and spoke to someone there who claimed to sell hundreds of these covers and “no one has ever complained about an odor before.” I know that sounds familiar to the other commenters on here. She said to tell Cymax that she said to give me a full refund. I called Cymax back and relayed her message. Cymax said they would process my complaint and email me about it within a week. Let’s hope they give me a refund.
Anyway, it might be of interest to the people here that the fabric itself causes the noxious odor without any plywood, foam or batting involved. Also, that washing the fabric and treating it with an odor elimator does nothing. So I can’t imagine that just waiting for the odor to “air out” would happen within my life time.
I am not an environmental freak looking for toxins around every corner by any means. But this whole thing has got me wondering just what is going on. I am 56 y. o. and did not ever have a problem with furniture or mattress covers oozing toxin fumes until now. What are they spraying on these fabrics that they didn’t used to? Is it a new fire retardant chemical like some have mentioned? Do they have to use it because the old (presumably non-odorous) ones have been outlawed? Is it some sort of mold /mildew inhibitor that is legal to use in China where I presume these fabrics are now all manufactured? Those factories in China are located in very humid climates and I bet there are a lot of damp un-air-conditioned warehouses where fabrics can quickly become rank with mildew. I am just speculating. I think this is a good topic for an investigative journalist somewhere.
We bought new furniture about a year ago… I’ve had NOTHING but body and lung problems since we bought it… Can anyone tell me who we turn to when the furniture we’re buying not ONLY cost’s us a good sum….but is doing such damage to our health?? WHO DO WE TURN TO…. Any suggestions????
Francine, About the fabric smell…. I had a pair of black jeans that had that chemical smell for several years, they were washed a thousand times! One day I decided to try washing/soaking in OxyClean. OMG, they smell coming our of the water was horrible. Whatever was on these jeans got broken down by the oxy clean as the jeans finally stopped smelling. You may want to try this with your mattress pad.
Like many of you, we’ve just realised what a toxic object our sofa is. This one is an IKEA KIVIC, and symptoms (usually after sitting on it, but also after being in the same room for a while) include nausea, a hacking cough, constant sneezing and running red eyes. The even worse news is that we aired this sofa in an outside shed for almost six months, so whatever organophosphate it is in there (IKEA admits to the use of these in their products) it is very persistent. I’m planning to start a campaign against the current foolish fire retardant laws.
Hi Chriss,
I know your post was published some years ago. I’m aware and been researching and experimenting about off gassing furniture… And I also bought an Ikea Kivic 6 months ago when I moved in. The symptoms were complete to be brief. I’m still fighting this new apartment by sealing cracks and and wall outlets. Have you found a solution with your couch? What happened? Did it go away with time, did you try anything or just got rid of it? Have you purchased something else, then what? I would truly appreciate your reply, as I am just as outraged as you and the other people on this thread, and working at finding a viable solution. So far I’ve tried (on another piece of furniture) to wrap the paddings in 6mil polyethylene film, scaled with box tape (can’t be 100% efficient but seemed to have helped). I’m also thinking of treating these frames with varnish or shellac, then reassemble. Anyway, your imputes will help. Thanks.
I too purchased a new sofa ftom Ashley furniture. Ever since, my head feels puffy, my sinuses are clogged, my eyes burn, my throat burns, my nose bleeds and o feel sick. No energy and can’t focus. EPA needs to do something about these chemicals on the furniture, I guess I will call the store. I feel like I am being poisoned
I bought a couch and a table from Rooms To Go, and it was a very disappointed experience; as well as, hazardous to my health. The first table they brought had a leaf in it that would not come out, and the second one was returned before the driver brought it inside because he noticed the box was torn. He checked it out, and the table was broken. The couch I got gave me a rash after I went to sleep on it watching t.v., but I didn’t realize it was from the couch until I got the second toxic couch. Both couches had fibers coming out of them, but I noticed the odor more in the second couch. I had covered the first couch because I was getting congested, and was afraid of inhaling the tiny fibers coming from the couch. There were also larger and longer fibers coming out of the couch. It has gotten on some of my clothes, and on blankets and comforters that I covered it with. They will not pick-up the second couch until Wednesday, and they will refund me. However, I have a credit card with them and I should have a credit on the card for payments I have made and taxes. I don’t think they will refund the delivery charges & protectant fees which total $190.00. I will be glad to get the couch out of my home. Health is worth more than money. I just hope I can get the toxic fibers out of my home after they pick-up the couch. Even wrapping it with three comforters has not kept it from affecting my breathing from the toxic fumes and fibers. I got a rash on my neck from the second couch. Thank goodness I have allergies to let me know the furniture is toxic.
Hi Heather,
Informative article. I never believed in this stuff – and then I bought a new sofa and have respiratory problems (strange wheezing) every time I lie down on it. Here is food for thought on the foam issue however. My sofa has lots of down. Down cushions, down pillows and down in some of the back cushions. Usually down causes skin irritation not respiratory problems. My sofa also has the new fabric that has a rubber-like backing on it that cannot absorb a stain. So my thoughts are that everything foam is covered with thick pockets of down fill. It is then again covered by the waterproof fabric. I am not allergic to my other down pillows although I do get mites if I don’t wash them frequently. I’m stumped. I’m thinking it’s the waterproof fabric. It was a very pricy sofa and still looking for answers. I can’t sit on it without breathing issues. I have contacted the mgf (King Hickory) and they never responded. (Very sad because it’s a great company.)
Add on to comment prior. The name of the fabric is Kryton or Crypton.
I have had three experiences…first was a put-together particle board desk, then a recliner and then Lazy Boy sofas. I had trouble breathing around the desk..after weeks of trying plants and various sprays in desperation I sprayed the entire desk with l/2 water and l/2 listerine (must be the yellow color)…then I covered it with an old comforter and left it alone for 2 weeks. When I removed the cover, the smell was gone from the desk but the comforter stunk. Washed it in hot water, and that smell was gone, too!
Most of the odor in the recliner had gassed off as it was the last one left in the store and on display, but it still bothered me. I again sprayed the chair and gently wiped it several times..the smell gradually faded…I called the clerk at the store, who told me I did the right thing. However, the two sofas I received from Lazy Boy were a much larger problem. As soon as the delivery people left, I noticed a foul odor reeking from the couches, spreading throughout the family room and moving towards the kitchen. I immediately dragged three air purifiers (one a super duty type) and placed them in front of the couches using the purifiers 24 hrs. per day…I then sprayed the couches with lysterine and water (a little more than half listerine) and covered them…after that i still left the air purifiers on…it took weeks, but there is no smell, and I am happy with the couches. I will add I suffer severe allergies and went through an asthma virus.
Hope this helps.
I had always wanted a red sectional. I found one on Craigslist that I purchased. After awhile I noticed my toilet seat is turning red. Didn’t really think much of it, knew it was from the dye in the couch. I am pretty health consciousness but, didn’t think much of this for some crazy reason. My daughter and I suffer from extreme fatigue and other weird symptoms. I just happened to think a day or two ago, wondering if the dye in this couch is harmful. Then I googled and found this site. Wow, now what do I do? Sounds like no matter where you buy furniture these days, the furniture is going to be laced with toxins. Does anyone know much about red dye toxins in furniture?
I bought a beautiful Kivik sectional couch from Ikea. For 10 days I was suffering. Even though I don’t have asthma, I felt like I can’t breathe and am almost suffocating. I also had to use an inhaler for several days. It was off-gassing and there was a strong chemical smell. There are so many possibilities: it can be the flame retardant in the polyurethane foam, formaldehyde or adhesives in the plywood/fiberboard, the way the fabric is chemically treated, polyester wadding, etc.
I am debating between buying a greener version or buying a used couch on Craigslist. I am quite scared now, because not being able to breathe is not a comfortable feeling at all… Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I recently purchased a Ekornes Stressless loveseat. It arrived at my home a few weeks after delivery to the warehouse from, I believe, Denmark. I was very excited and enjoyed sitting on my new loveseat 3 or 4 times. Then, I noticed a strange odor in the area and in the room adjoining. It never occurred to me it could be the sofa, as it was rather expensive. The ordor bothered me more and more and then It seem as though I could taste it and, it made my throat sore. I the sniffed the loveseat and the scent of chemicals was overbearing. I opened the room up but the odor persists. The service agent visited to check out the sofa, but said it only smelled like leather to him. He suggested they could pick up the item and let it air out in the warehouse. They picked up the sofa two days later but I’m concerned. If nobody can smell the odor but me, how can they take care of the eliminating the chemical smell. Also, I have been unable to find out what they used on the wood, foam and/or leather to cause the bad experience I had. Can you give me any direction. I’m not just concerned about this leather loveseat, but also want to know what to avoid in the future. I love the loveseat but do not want it back if it continues to make me so sick.
Glad to know I am not the only one with these problems. I purchased a leather sofa and love seat from Rooms to Go. We noticed not long after they were delivered that our eyes were burning, nose burned and was running and I was getting a headache. First of all, the furniture came damaged and will have to be replaced. I called the number to report the problem and the tech came out to look at the furniture and said it would have to be replaced. Did not say anything to him about our problems other than damaged furniture. Got a call today from customer service wanting to set up a time to deliver new furniture. I told her that I did not want new furniture delivered that I wanted my money back. She informed me that the warranty did not cover me being refunded. I asked her if they put the protective coating on the furniture and she said yes, that I paid for it. I told her that I did not want new furniture delivered because the protective coating was causing our eyes to burn. She proceeded to tell me that I was lying before I could say or it is something in the furniture and put me on hold and never came back. I thought the coating might be the problem and was checking online to see. Did not think about plywood or stuff cushions are made of might be the problem. There is an odor from the furniture and I don’t sit on it and I get a headache. My main concern is what it might do to my 7 month old grandson that I keep. He was born with a medical problem and has trouble breathing as it is. I need to call them back and tell them about what I have learned on here. Thanks
So happy to have found this site. I’ve had health problems since I bought 2 love seats. Fabric covered. When I first got them the smell was awful. I called the store ….of course they never heard of such a thing….put me through to manager. Anyway, they finally agreed that it could be off-gassing and said as soon as odour went away there would be no problems. I believed them. Wrong!! It was summer so was able to keep windows etc open and eventually odour went away. However I’ve had allergy problems and now allergies affecting my eye sight. Don’t know what to do. Would having furniture professionally several times help at all? Any kind of spray available?
I got a beautiful couch I designed from Ethan Allen. Gorgeous! When they brought it in I asked, “What is that smell?!!” “Leather.” ” That’s not leather.” I guess it’s outgassing formaldehyde.
Of course, as usual, no one has ever complained before. Unfortunately it’s a long weekend and trying to get someone out here to remove it is daunting.
Meanwhile it’s eye, throat and head. &%$#*!
I am also suffering from the physical problems caused of “off-gassing” and I am stuck regarding how to get the problem solved. We purchased a sectional sofa, recliner, and two tables from Living Spaces in San Diego. We have had many problems with the store not taking any of our problems, with the furniture, seriously so I have not been able to speak with anyone regarding the “off-gassing” problem. We have had the furniture for about five weeks now and although the smell has so what diminished it is still overwhelming. My husband says he cannot smell the odors but he does not have much of a “nose” for anything. He is, however, suffering from some of the symptoms of the fumes but refuses to connect the dots. I have aired out the cushions, tried baking soda, tried vinegar, and other remedies I read about but so far nothing has helped.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
We bought solid wood coffie table from Ashley Furniture. It is very functional with lot of drawers and I thought that solid wood should be healthy. But when we unpacked it the smell was so bad and toxic, I think that chemicals from paint and glue were releasing. Odor was horrible and it stayed strong for about 3 months. Now it seems it’s gone but I’m worried now about possible health consequences. I’m so lucky we did not buy bedroom and mattress from Ashley because our friends did and it also had horrible smell. They couldn’t sleep in that bedroom for months. Now I see in comments there are same problems with other manufacturers. There must be some regulation regarding somehing so serious. Is it possible to measure toxic off gassing somehow and to report that EPA or somebody else?
It’s midnight and I’m sitting here reading all these comments. Wow!
We bought a leather sectional from ZGallerie 3 days ago. I noticed an odor coming from the sections when the delivery people inboxes them but thought, Gee, it must be the new leather smell. But I have purchased high end real leather shoes before and they did not smell similar.
Fast forward 3 days, two trips to the doctor, many Benadryl, a steroid shot, a prescription for Prednisone for the terrible hives I’ve gotten.
I was refusing to believe that my new sofa could do this to me. I’ve never been sensitive to anything never mind allergic.
I’ve decided to wait the 5 days to finish the Prednisone and see if the hives come back then for sure it must be the hives. In the meantime I wanted to open dialogue with the store and called the salesperson who helped. He apologized for my experience and I was shocked when he told me that he has had customer before that had reactions to some of their furniture pieces. Woah!
While I did some research I found out some of the above mentioned things by commenters and also that many Chinese factories use a mould inhibitor, dimethyl fumarate, to stop mold when items are shipped through different climates. This chemical has been banned for years in Europe but is not regulated at all in the US. This along with cheap plywood, formaldehyde, etc. etc.
I heard all the pain all this has caused so ma y people. I live this new couch and searched high and low for over a year before deciding on it. It’s functional and great looking. But my health is more important. Sadly it will be goi g back. Wish me luck returning it.
Also, why is this happening!? Now, like another commenter said, I’m concerned about any new furniture I’ll buy.
Why is there not a task force concerned with this?
It’s midnight and I’m sitting here reading all these comments. Wow!
We bought a leather sectional from ZGallerie 3 days ago. I noticed an odor coming from the sections when the delivery people unboxed them but thought, Gee, it must be the new leather smell. But I have purchased high end real leather shoes before and they did not smell similar.
Fast forward 3 days, two trips to the doctor, many Benadryl, a steroid shot, a prescription for Prednisone for the terrible hives I’ve gotten.
I was refusing to believe that my new sofa could do this to me. I’ve never been sensitive to anything never mind allergic.
I’ve decided to wait the 5 days to finish the Prednisone and see if the hives come back then for sure it must be the sofa. In the meantime I wanted to open dialogue with the store and called the salesperson who helped. He apologized for my experience and I was shocked when he told me that he has had customer before that had reactions to some of their furniture pieces. Woah! He said he’d check with manufacturer what chemical are used and call me back same day. Guess what? No call of course!
While I did some research I found out some of the above mentioned things by commenters and also that many Chinese factories use a mould inhibitor, dimethyl fumarate, to stop mold when items are shipped through different climates. This chemical has been banned for years in Europe but is not regulated at all in the US. This along with cheap plywood, formaldehyde, etc. etc. are causing consumers health problems not justified simply for buying a piece of furniture.
I heard all the pain all this has caused so many people that commented here.
I love this new couch and searched high and low for over a year before deciding on it. It’s functional and great looking. But my health is more important. Sadly it will be going back. Wish me luck returning it.
Also, why is this happening!? Now, like another commenter said, I’m concerned about any new furniture I’ll buy.
Why is there not a task force concerned with this?
Hi to everyone! I’m so sorry for everyone’s reactions to chemicals in their new furniture. I bought a sofa from Elite Leather handmade in Southern Ca after you buy it. I didn’t have any issues with that brand and a Ekornes Stressless chair without issues. About 6 years ago, I started a journey to completely eliminate any and all chemicals possible in my house. I now make all of my cleaning supplies including laundry powder, window, floor & bathroom cleaners. I pulled up carpet so I have tile and wood floors. I make anything the goes on my body such as creams, lotions, soap, shampoo and I use only organic products in the stuff I make. I haven’t made it to eating only organic but am probably 70/30. I’m in the healthcare field and just was tired of companies poisoning us and did it strictly for those reasons. I do have a super-sonic nose and can smell things nobody else smells and while they roll their eyes, I sniff around until I find the stinky culprit! The reason for my message is this::: I live north of New Orleans and after hurricane Katrina and ppl were starting to have their homes rebuilt finally, most had no choices when buying supplies such as wood, Sheetrock, plywood because of high demand, it was in short supply. About a year later, there were news broadcasts and investigations because ppl who rebuilt were getting sick inside their homes. Turns out it was the plywood and Sheetrock. We were told to go into the attic and check the stamps on where it was made. Every home having issues had products made in China! We were told by investigators to NOT use any product made in China in our rebuilding. The ones who already had, they had to gut the new stuff out of their homes and start over…again! You can imagine the costs involved. Many walked away from their homes. Some sold theirs with a letter that products used in rebuilding were made in China, and the ones who could afford to start over again, did so. We had many, many, many civil litigation suits where homeowners got together and sued the manufacturers. I know this was on a much larger scale than a sofa or a mattress but as a whole, we have to stop buying things made in China or made with products that come from there. Electronics is probably the only exception because they make all of it. FYI, I went on a search for my grand babies 1st baby doll in September. Everything was made in China. So I did an Internet search for any baby dolls made in USA. The answer? Zero! The only dolls made here are handmade dolls made of fabric not any of the “real” looking baby dolls. I just thought that is so freaking sad! It goes back about 30 years when the cost of making dolls here were so under cut by China that the only choice they had was to do the same or stop selling dolls. I try to be very aware of where things are made that I give to a child because it goes into their mouths and we just don’t know what is put into products from China. Sorry for the long post but my overall intent was to inform regarding our situation with building materials from China. People here had all of the same ailments only much worse because it was inside their walls and many lawsuits were filed as a result. Good luck to all who are having these issues. Maybe we can figure out a way to have chemicals listed on any products such as furniture through the EPA. I know it’s a long battle but it must start somewhere! “Off-gassing” is not a suitable reason for me being ill.
I don’t know if you will get this message, I see it’s over 2 years since you wrote. You sound nearly identical to me wrt symptoms. I just returned two lazyboy loveseats, and then two China made Natuzzi. Both were very toxic. My MCS is through the roof!
I want to buy two Ekornes leather loveseats. I’m told the production line is very clean, non-toxic and is made on the edge of the fjord, where they (unlike the US) choose not to pollute it.
It sounds like these never caused you issue? Thanks!
I own a Large amount of leather furniture in the form of a reclining sofa, reclining loveseat and reclining chair. The model is “EVIAN” manufactured by FLEXSTEEL CORPORATION . I was told by the sales representative that it was made by the best USA manufacturer in Iowa. The tags on the furniture say manufactured in China however.and states that it meets flammability requirements.
This furniture was received on or about the end of October 2014, It is now 2 years later.
This gorgeous set came in a stinking! . It is a very strong, smell sickening sweet smell and it actually resembles a marijuana smell. This furniture is in all one area in an open floor plan, The smell would actually hit me like a ton of bricks upon entering my condo. We complained to the store and they brought out a Flexsteel representative who said smells like leather to me and told us to air out the place if the smell continues to bother us. We did and the Florida heat and humidity only made this off gassing much worse. I lived with this for some time and only because I had an extra good warranty the store slowly replaced each piece. as it became available. It became aware to me that there were several returns and that the store was aware of a toxic problem with this furniture. The replacement pieces STILL smell. This summer I remained in Florida instead of returning up north and the smell increased r the hotter it got. . This year I have been plagued with sudden health issues, some of which are still being investigated. I just got diagnosed with COPD and I don’t smoke!
What I don’t see in all of these stories is how do you prove your furniture is toxic and is making you sick????
I also don’t see anyone SUING for serious or chronic health issues .
These two concerns are where I am at.
MAD IN FLORIDA
Yes! That is the smell of the Target table I mentioned–like bad marijuana. It made me very sick. I returned it.
To Doris with the Ekornes love seat. I have a stress less chair by Ekornes and am wondering if the smell of your love seat went away.? I’ve had the chair for a couple of months and the smell seems to get worse the more I use it.
Thank you sooooooo much! I have been struggling the last 8 months with my throat and esophagus and eyes burning and I kept telling my kids and my friends I think it’s the couch which sounded really weird. I then started saying “what is this couch dipped in formaldehyde or what? “. at first I thought it was becoming allergic to the cats, and then I thought it was the dog as he had been sprayed by a skunk a few months ago( and was still having a slight smell) but then I removed the couch from the living room and the smell and reaction seem to go away! I had purchased this at a store that also sells pre-owned furniture. It was supposed to be a new couch though. After reading this article I now know I am not crazy and it’s not all in my mind! your story is exactly what happened to me! and it’s funny you share these possible problems with these dumb flame retardants. Two words kept coming to my mind over the last few months for Melda Hyde and cancer and so I just feel like this is a real blessing! Thank you so much for your research and experience !!!!
I can totally relate to this story. I admired, and saved for ten years to by my favorite Stickley sofa. Finally, I bought it. Four months later it was built and delivered. Solid oak and leather. Within in week I had to live in only the upper floor of our home and with all windows open in our home, in the winter due to the smell coming from that sofa. By the third week I called and told them to get the sofa, and we moved it to the garage. It really funked up our garage and the smell was seeping through the garage entryway to the house. I was so sick–lethargic, sore chest, stingy eyes, sore throat, inflamed sinuses. It took almost two years to get my $4500+ back. The retailer ignored me after they picked up the couch. Finally, I reached out to Stickley directly because I questioned whether I had received a genuine Stickley sofa given the off-gasing and fumes (never could tell if it was the leather or wood finish (didn’t really smell like leather). You see I have two other oak wood and leather Stickely pieces of furniture in my home, each purchased about one year apart (a different retailer than the sofa purchase); neither of the first pieces ever smelled or gave me problems. I gave Stickley the details of my almost two-year long saga and they immediately contacted the retailer. Then contacted me and said the sofa was still in that retailers possession, in a warehouse and that I would be getting a full refund. And I did within a week.
Most recently, I bought a sofa from Joybird (Raine eco kiwi) and asked them to build it and keep it for at least 30 days to let it off-gas; I explained my health sensitivities. They said they could not do that but once built it gets delivered. I said okay, and knew they had a good return policy. So very lucky that this beautiful sofa had almost no odor on delivery AND within two months no new smell at all. In fact, I regularly sleep on it and get the best sleeps. So give Joybird a try.
P.S. The Stickley sofa was for my family room. Three years later there is still no sofa in my family room.
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone knows about how long it takes for a sofa to out gas? I need a new sofa but am so afraid to purchase a new one so I would like to get a used one. I have a 2 year old little chihuahua who has allergies.
I recently purchased two IMG nordic leather recliners in the belief that the price tag would equate to quality. The first chairs arrived and placed in my living room. During the evening, the smell emanating from them was intolerable – leaving me with itchy eyes, runny nose, headache and cough. Off gassing furniture smells putrid. IMG replaced the furniture, however the same thing has happened. This time IMG have failed to respond to my email. For the past week these hugely expensive chairs have been sitting on my back deck and they still smell. I do not expect this from a company who would have you believe are reputable. #imgnordicfurniture #imgleatherrecliners
I bought a sofa a couple months ago that I was having issues with. Thought it was my AC, duct work, mattress, mold, only to realize it was the sofa all along.
Thanks to this forum and other like it that helped me narrow down it was a leather sofa I got from costco, which was made in China.
I tried airing it for a few months with no improvement and ended up paying for movers to move it back to costco and got a refund. Not worth the possible negative health benefits imo. I ended up getting an ikea sofa.
Same problems I had. Now I have a local carpenter make beds and tables using solid wood and glues and stains that are Greenguard certified as not containing harmful chemicals. Buy natural latex mattresses with organic cotton covers – see “sleep on latex” website. Sofas are covered in flame retardants because they are covered with polyurethane foam which is highly flammable. So you can buy a sofa without chemicals from Cisco or Viesso or Ecobalanza or Savvy Rest. Or you can DIY by having have local upholstery shop order a sofa frame and use cotton padding on it and either 100% cotton fabric with no treatments on it. Put Dacron in the back cushion and latex foam in the seat cushions. Many online fabric stores carry organic cotton fabric that has no chemicals or pesticides. Do not shop at the big chain stores – everything now made overseas with the cheapest materials and with tons of chemicals – even Ethan Allen.
I have been reading this thread and cannot believe how many people are suffering out there the same way I have been. We bought a new travel trailer a year ago and every time we go camping I get sick. Then it takes a few days of being home to start feeling better. We have tried heating it up, then airing it out. We have washed it down inside with vinegar. Still after a year it is no better. I am about ready to torch it! Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer will acknowledge anything is wrong. They just continue to say air it out. I think the main culprit is the faux leather sofa. Our next step is to remove the sofa and see if that helps. But it could be glue, cabinets, mattress, plywood, anything. We are so frustrated. We stand to lose thousands if we trade it. And who is to say the next one wont present the same problems. There is a sticker on the wall of the camper that says formaldehyde might be present so not to live fulltime in it. I guess that covers their rears.
I feel a little better after reading this column but really disturbed about the two new very expensive reclining sofas I purchased from Furnitureland South. I received them four days ago after waiting for them to be manufactured (about 7 weeks). If I had detected the odor the day they were delivered, I would have returned them. Last night my throat was burning and my eyes watering. The only part of my body that was touching the fabric was my head. Around 12-12:30 last night my scalp was itching so badly that I got out of bed and showered and washed my hair, changed my bedding and tried to sleep although my heart was beating rapidly. My dog, who usually jumps up next to my husband while we watch TV, would not even go on the couch and spent the evening in other rooms. The odor was so bad I spent most of the weekend in my bedroom. I have spoken to customer service and my sales rep to see if we can resolve this issue. I will keep you posted. Just as an aside, since I said I felt a little relieved, my sales rep said she had ‘never’ had an issue like this. So I don’t feel crazy.
I recently had the cushions in our sofas redone with new foam padding that came in a choice of firmness and were very comfortable. However, the day they came home I noticed a smell emanating from my sofa and got a sore throat and started feeling lousy. My husband didn’t notice the smell, he isn’t sensitive like I am. Anyway we couldn’t get a refund of the $1,000 it cost for the 4 cushions on both sofas, not cheap, but we had to wrap in plastic so I could breathe and not get sicker. Now we need to shop for new sofas that don’t have chemical foams. Our old sofas from years back never bothered me, I think these new chemical formulations are getting worse nowadays. A few years back I had a mattress from Sleep City with a topper that had ‘memory foam in it”, I got so sick from that, broke out with a rash across my upper chest and my eyes were stuck together in the morning. After seeing doctors we figured it out and put the mattress in a plastic zippered mattress protector and the symptoms went away after awhile. My husband had to fight with the company and threaten to sue before they agreed to finally take it back, they were bad to deal with. This was several years ago and now we only get natural cotton and wool mattresses from Vivetique in Baldwin park, Calif. that are great. You can also find them in stores like one in Berkely, Ca., No adverse reactions. It is the foam ‘petrochemical products that make me sick. I never suspected the cushions for couches as I never had a past problem. Learned a big lesson. In the store the cushions didn’t smell but in the warm enclosed room at home they were awful. Of course the folks that can’t smell it aren’t allergic to it so they don’t understand and say “no one else ever complained about it”. Finding this site is great because it shows there are tons of people who have sensitivities to this. My doctor says only a fraction of people have this problem but that equals to millions of people and many don’t know it till they get ‘really sick’. Hoping to find a store that sells sofas with no chemical foams which is very hard to find. I think an option would be to have a natural mattress co. custom make cushions out of cotton/wool springs like in the natural mattress. Natural Latex smells also so I do not want to experiment with that. Please list any safe sofas you may know about. Thank You All for this blog.
Hi all, I have been searching the internet today listing the ailments you all seem to have suffered as I find myself in the same boat. The only difference is that I think I am becoming ill from new curtains we purchased online in the U.K. that were manufactured in China. I am thinking it must be from the flame retardant sprays or the material – polyester? I have been airing the room with open windows for 3 days straight now along with air purifiers when windows are closed due to rain etc. It’s frigging crazy ! I was contemplating vinegar sprays, charcoal lumps, baking soda etc. I might see if professional cleaning works. We bought them before going on a trip so I can’t return them for money back – time ran out…. I had to search outside of Ireland to find the size I need and saved a couple of grand buying them from this uk company.
Hate having to dump something new I paid for. But my husband has had a sore throat & itchy eyes. I have fatigue, rashes, wheezing, nasal congestion, itchy stinging eyes, prickly throat etc– all since I put up the curtains!!
I have concluded it has to be them and after reading this site I know it’s not just in my mind! What the hell Is China putting on fabric? I know part of it is EU legislation too. How much are we poisoning our future generations!
Anyways, I hope ye all had successes with your issues and thanks for shedding light on this!
I waited 12 years to replace my sofa and I finally purchased a collins premier at Lazy Boy. I had the treatment plan added. I started to notice a horrible smell and fog coming from the sofa. It has been 15 days and I still cannot sit on it. I have fans blowing on it baking soda near it and leave doors open to air out. I will give a few more days but it is effecting my sinuses and I seem to be coughing and light headed when I go near it. Why would they use these chemicals that can make people sick. I want a refund now.. Not happy and now I am skeptical to buy new furniture.
So glad I have become a minimalist. There is no furniture in my living room. Big floor pillows and yoga mats.
Hi everyone, bought a recliner with man made leather, put it together last night and it has a chemical smell. My dog slept near it and in the morning she got up and vomited 4 times and will not stay in that room anymore. Thought it was a coincidence but after reading the posts on here…………….
I to just received a new Flexsteel couch and Lazy Boy recliner from Art Van. The smell on both pieces are terrible. It smells even worst with doors and windows closed. My husband and I both have allergies and asthma, we can’t stand to set on furniture. We had the company rep out and they don’t seem to think there is a problem with the smell. It’s a shame that a major company dare sell such a bad product to its customers. I will tell everyone that I know beware of who you are dealing with and what you are buying .
Wow, everything here is what I’ve been experiencing. I had a sectional (the Jollene) delivered from Macy’s a few weeks ago. As soon they dropped it off, I noticed a strong chemical smell emitting from the sofa. Cushions, seats, everything. This was not a “new” smell but almost like a cross between marijuana and gasoline. Horrible. Immediate burning eyes, sore threat, headache and coughing.
I work from home and I’m miserable. Macy’s has offered an exchange but I’m worried it will be the same thing?? I’ve been airing out the loose cushions outside and they are better. But the base and attached cushions are still pretty bad. Will this go away? I wish I had my old comfy sofa back. I can’t even enjoy sitting down in my living room. 🙁
I looked at the manufacturer tag and it says it has not been treated with flame retardants. The manufacture name is “Jason Furniture” and it is made in China.
Can’t stand the burning eyes and throat anymore. Terrible!! What are they exposing us to each day?
I purchased a 2018 Subaru with leather seats. After 4 months I still can’t stand driving it. When you walk into the garage you can smell it the minute the garage door opens. I get light headed and my lungs and throat hurt. I have tried baking soda, cleaning with vinegar and leaving in the sun with windows open for hours and I still smells. I just found out it’s not real leather but a fake leather called pleather. I will never buy another car with synthetic leather. I am at a loss on what to do. It’s far to late to return it and too expensive of a product to sell for a loss. My husband can’t smell it and I think he thinks I lost my mind. There should be standards for these chemicals they are subjecting is too.
I just started working at a new furniture store. It’s a new store and I’ve been feeling ill when I’m in the store and then my symptoms subside after I leave the store. I also went to a different store for one day and mostly felt the same that was not a new store. I also found out that there Furniture is treated with a fabric protection all the furniture in the store. I worked at other furniture stores and never had these symptoms I almost felt like I was going to pass out today dizzy light-headed swollen glands sore throat chills achy back burning sinuses burning eyes.
So I am concerned about employment if I can’t tolerate it or choose not to I ought to start looking for another job any advice. The furniture store is actually a better quality store than the other ones I’ve worked at and claims their Furniture is made in the USA.
Any advice please help I’m in need of employment.
Barbara January 11, 2018 at 12:49 am #
I just had pillows made for a sectional sofa. When I enter the room where the sofa is I feel like I need to cough and my throat constricts. The fabric is Sunbrella , but I dont know what the cusions are made of. I feel better when upstairs away fronm the sofa with the air purifier going. Not sure how to approach this issue with the upolsterer.
Scarlett, February 19, 2018,
I just purchased a new faux leather sofa and love seat from a major retailer that is selling a Ashley furniture product by Signature Design. I was excited that I found something new at a price that was affordable and that I wanted spend money on and that I really needed some new furniture.
After it was delivered and they unwrapped it, there is a strong chemical odor but I figured that it was just as it is known is that it is the new smell and needs to air out. I have had this furniture for 3 days now and the odor is still in the air and when I sit on it. My husband can not smell anything and makes me think I am going crazy but he seems to be understanding enough that if I want to return it to do so. I am hoping the smell will go away, but I am not sure what is going to happen and really disappointed since I really want new furniture. I have been reading posting from others on this site and other sites that complain of the same things with new furniture. The smell is mostly disturbing to me, and I have had my windows and door open and the ceiling fan on to let air in and keep the smell from accumulating, but now I am starting to get headaches and scratchy throat. There is a distinct smell when I walk into the room versus when I walk into other rooms in my house. l Never had any idea I would have such an issue with new furniture since I can not remember when I bought my first set which was fabric that I had this problem ( over 17 years ago). Not sure if the smell is going to go away that I can enjoy this new sofa and love seat or if I should call the company back and have them come by and pick up. So many post that people return it, try home remedies to fix the problem or just keep it. I guess I will see what happens after about a week of having this furniture and go from there. Thank goodness I did not get rid of my old sofa and love seat so I will still have something to sit on if I do return this new set. I can not believe the issues people are having with new furniture and never thought I would have this experience either, but I wish I had done some research especially buying leather/faux leather, but you take things for granted that things like this would not be an issue. /good to know there are companies that make green furniture and I will check them out. Also good to know that others are having the same issues so that I know I am not going crazy.
I was actually almost driven to tears after purchasing a new la-z-boy chair. The odor was very toxic and apparent to me. It was giving me panic attacks and I felt ready to cry! I had to place a bed sheet over the chair and keep it on there for about 2 months.
This sounds crazy to a lot of people, but it is very real – scent sensitivity. I no longer use any perfumes, all household products are scent-free, scent-free deodorant, etc. And now I have a very new problem. I am a home sewer and buy fabric and make clothes. Just recently I bought some beautiful fabric and made two dresses. That night I had a nosebleed!!! Never had one in my life before. Two weeks later, I was sewing with that same fabric and again I had a nosebleed. I cannot find anything online about this happening to anyone else. I guess all fabrics will have to be pre-washed before sewing with them. I have already resigned myself to not being able to get new furniture ever again because of the off-gassing. My la-z-boy is 10 years old and my couch is nearly 20. Can’t take a chance on replacements because I know what I will be getting will be very toxic. I recently purchased new mattresses and went for the organic latex. Wonderful!! I know that conventional mattresses are very off-gassing and toxic. Could this be the reason behind many ailments and illnesses even if people aren’t bothered by the odors? Good Luck Everybody in trying to live cleanly.
Thanks for sharing your couch experience, was helpful to me!
Really helpful article .
I just got crate n barrel couches and whole house got allergies itchy throat burning eyes dizziness and strange strong unbreable smell. Planning to returning them.
I didn’t read all the comments so my problem is that I bought a Travel Trailer on May 21,2018 and questioned the salesperson about the smell when I was looking at it and her response was that it was just new and the smell would go away. I told her that I have asthma and emphysema and I couldn’t get anything that would aggravate those conditions. The man that gave me the walk through and orientation also assured me that it wasn’t a problem, that his wife has asthma and it doesn’t bother her. Since bringing the Travel Trailer home I have only been in it 3 times; the last 2 times to open all the vents and windows hoping to make the smell go away. It didn’t help. I had to go to the doctor today because my eyes are itching and swollen and over the counter eye drops haven’t worked. Also, my breathing problems are acting up. After reading the manual, in the back they do warn of formaldehyde in the use of manufacture and may bother sensitive individuals! Needless to say I called the dealership today and asked for a manager because I have a brand new Travel Trailer that I’m due to make a payment on June 20, 2018 and I cannot even go in there. The finance company told me to do this. I was told by whoever answered the phone that a manager would call me back. That was this morning and it is 8 P.M. now and no call. Anyone with this type of problem and how they handled it would be greatly appreciated. I live in Georgia if that helps any.
I’m so sorry to hear of your experience. And sadly, it is not uncommon, as you can see from all of the comments above. I encourage you to keep contacting the dealer and let them know you are not afraid to go to the local media if they do not resolve this for you. Other resources that may be helpful: your elected officials, the Environmental Health Strategy Center (http://www.ourhealthyfuture.org/), your state consumer protection office. You may find that there is a 30 day return protection clause. I wish you the best of luck.
No one seems to describe the smell that they are smelling. In my case, a brand new sofa, smells even after 2 months. I can’t sit on it without being bothered by that pungent odor. I put a cover on it and it still smells and my cover stinks. It smells almost like dirty sour feet. This sofa apparently was not made in China, rather in North America. I am not getting nausea or hives or anything like that. It is just a nasty sharp odor. The smell is not from the cushions but seem to come mostly from the arms. So what can it be? How can I get rid of it? Please help!
SAME THING!! is it a deco-rest? what did you end up doing? ive just sent the company an email…
After months of looking, we decided to buy a La-Z-Boy sleeper sofa. We loved everything about it – the design, the looks, the comfort – except … the odor. It was chemical, seemed toxic, and affected our breathing. It wasn’t formaldehyde (usually in wood) but seemed like something in the foam. We just couldn’t sit on the thing for any length of time without suffering. My wife even got headaches from it.
The retailer was great and offered to take it back into her warehouse and put it outside on sunny days to air out. This went on for 6 months, and then we took it back. The unpleasant smell had not diminished at all. Even two workmen who came into our condo for other reasons noticed it immediately. I can’t express how huge a disappointment this was for us.
We have purchased a lot of other new furniture in our lives and none of it smelled like this. The furniture in the new condo we rented in Mexico had no smell. Neither did the $270 couch we examined at Walmart’s.
If these other companies making far less expensive furniture than La-Z-Boy can make odorless products, why can’t they?
The retailer was wonderful to the end, took the sofa back, and returned our $1550 payment in full. We have already recommended her to others. But La-Z-Boy? We’ll never recommend them. A shame. If they could only make furniture that didn’t smell toxic, they would have as great a product as could be found anywhere. But their product does smell. Terribly.
We have just experience the same thing. My wife and I feel like falling down. This is flat out plane old wrong for people to sell this stuff. Then when you call the furniture store they act like they never heard of such a thing.
I’ve also been having a hard time finding new furniture that won’t make me sick. After buying a new mattress only to have to return it because the smell permeated the whole I found out about CertiPur. Some brands of furniture now carry the CertiPur label which means they don’t have fire retardents, formaldehyde and have lower voc’s. You can check the CertiPur website for mattress and furniture brands with the label. I purchased a Sleepy brand of mattress and it’s been great. I just bought a new couch and the chemicals are making me sick. I am going to see if I can exchange it for the CertPur couch I almost bought and hopefully that will work out as good as the mattress.
[email protected]
I am experiencing significant off gassing from new IKEA products. Specifically, a black leather love seat with matching ottoman (Landskron) and a synthetic rug, a copy of which was used in the store display. It is a deep “shag” type made of some poly blend. All in all it is a nice set that matches well with the black leather Poang Executive chair and black and white storage units.
But beyond decorating success this stuff is really affecting me. It began with a persistent sore throat that manifested each evening. I now understand that is was my lymph nodes activating when I left the TV area for me study for reading and “no screens” time before sleep.
It has now been 2 months and I am more susceptible than ever. The study is essentially unused unless I can create a fresh air flow in the room. I tightened up the air circulation (HVAC) system and removed the derisory return filter. I built my own two stage filter with a 13 rated Hepa pleated filter first, and in series with an 8 rated charcoal filter. My air quality has improved, but the study is still problematic and I shut the doors to it often, though I am careful to open things when I leave.
After reading this site and inspecting the furniture I realized I am cursed with plywood construction and some sort of covering on the leather. The poly rug may also be an issue.
I am quite upset because there are many lists that include IKEA as a very “green” company. I am very skeptical that IKEA monitors all its contractors and subcontractors. I would not put it past them to produce, more cheaply, one version of a product for the more lenient markets and another for those markets (EU) where standards are actually enforced.
i was shopping for slip covers for my couch and noticed in the details that they were mite-proof through their “process”..I am trying to figure out what exactly that means before buying anything made in China..Is it actually some process or a chemical treatment? Anyone have an idea how to find out? I tried contacting the seller but doubt they will tell me (amazon)..we have asthma so dont need to bring in more trouble.. Also some of the covers are a poly/spandex blend, but i found one that is cotton/spandex..would one be less likely to have been treated.
[email protected]. We bought a leather loveseat recliner from Ashley 3 weeks ago. If I sit on it more than 15 or 20 minutes my seat and legs begin to hurt and I have to move to another chair. The loveseat has a chemical odor as others have mentioned. Wondering if others have a problem similar to mine with seat and thighs hurting.
WOW! I wish I had read this thread before purchasing a chair. Soon after the delivery, my eyes started to water and burn, my throat was sore and I itched all over. I thought I was going crazy. I have never heard of “off-gassing” but I’m trying to get the company to take the chair back. I had the same type of reaction with my new 2018 Ford Explorer but that finally went away. It was not as intense as this chair.
I stand to lose over 600 bucks on this chair and I’m hoping the company cooperates because it’s making me sick. I’m overly sensitive to fragrances but this is far more serious than smelling perfume or cologne.
I just received an Ikea couch, opened it up and in 2 days it is out on the back deck waiting to be picked up. The smell is gastly.
It has somehow seeped into my house and I can not figure out how to get it out. I can still smell the smell even though it is not inside the house.
It gets picked up on friday and never will i ever buy an ikea couch again. Fantastic Furniture couches do not smell bad mainly because they are made in australia and so they do not need all the spraying couches from china need.
Thanks for the post, if you have any idea how to get the smell out of my house, let me know
I purchased an expensive Jonathan Charles Chest from Inspirations Furniture and Design, Baton Rouge, La. in December 2018. Six months later the smell of chemicals have not diminished at all. The smell is so strong that we are unable to use the drawers. When opening a drawer, a whiff of this gives burning to the eyes and nose. Owners suggested to put soda in drawers to eliminate smell, did not work. I talked with a Jonathan Charles representative and was told the product was made in Vietnam, could not help. I have learned an expensive lesson!! If there is any offensive odor, do not
buy.