Eliza Kennedy was thrilled when her new ‘dream sofa’ arrived, but her excitement quickly turned to concern after noticing a stark warning on the box.
Eliza, who shot to fame after a stint on Love Island Australia, quickly went on the rise when she discovered a label warning that the furniture may have been made or coated with a harmful cancer-causing chemical.
The label stated, “This product may expose you to chemicals including formaldehyde, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.”
This detail stunned Eliza, as she had never seen such a warning on furniture. So the 29-year-old proceeded cautiously and immediately requested a refund for the $3,000 two-seater.
‘In my daily life, I try to limit my exposure to toxic chemicals by drinking only bottled water and trying to cook on stainless steel pans. So when I saw that my new couch could expose me to toxic chemicals, I was shocked!’ Eliza told FEMAIL.
Eliza posted one at the time video to warn others of the danger and ask for advice on what to do next.
‘I feel really uncomfortable with this sofa right now because how am I supposed to lie down on it and relax knowing that this sofa is made of or covered with a chemical that can cause cancer? For example, am I exaggerating?’ she said.
Sydney’s Eliza Kennedy quickly became concerned when the label said the sofa may have been made or coated with a harmful cancer-causing chemical.
The 29-year-old paid just under $3,000 for the two-seater sofa but has requested a full refund (pictured)
‘If I had known this, I certainly would not have ordered this sofa.’
In the photo: the label
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas that can cause significant health problems.
The sticker was placed on the delivery box by the company Eliza purchased the order from as this is part of standard practice.
However, Proposition 65 warnings are a common occurrence for Californians. This mandatory warning imposed by the State of California on all retailers informs customers of the risks involved.
Formaldehyde is a harmful chemical found in a variety of household products, including furniture, building materials, textiles, cleaning products, cosmetics, air fresheners, weft products and resins or adhesives.
In Australia, formaldehyde is not completely banned, but is heavily regulated for safety reasons.
‘In my daily life, I try to limit my exposure to toxic chemicals by drinking only bottled water and trying to cook on stainless steel pans. So when I saw that my new couch could expose me to toxic chemicals, I was shocked!’ Eliza told FEMAIL
Eliza added: ‘If I knew this, I certainly wouldn’t have ordered this sofa’
After sharing the clip, many shared a likely explanation.
‘That’s because new furniture is usually coated with flame retardant, a volatile organic compound. Definitely read about it,” someone commented.
“It’s a standard warning they put on most things in the US,” another added.
“I think so many couches are covered in fire retardant chemicals but they just don’t tell you,” wrote a third.
Nevertheless, Eliza still wants a refund.
