They needed to off-gas in a room for a day. That's always a gamble, but it seemed to be the wood stain, not any plasticizers in the seat. It did dissipate quickly, especially given it was 60 degrees in the room.
Assembly: The holes for pre-set wood pegs did not align. Fortunately, there are two screws that can be loosened, and with enough pressure the wood can be bent and the peg pushed in. Another millimeter or two off and this would not have been possible. One person assembly. 
Scratched on one leg. Permanent red marker(?) on another leg. 
They did not cost much, thus the three stars. I got what I paid for... no more certainly, but not less either.
They do look nice once assembled.