Child Strangulation Danger Causes Recall of 50 Million Window Blinds

Submitted by anonymous on Wed, 2009-12-16 15:08

Parents with roman-style shades or roll-up blinds may want to consider participating in a recall announced Tuesday, December 15, 2009. More than 50 million Roman-style shades and roll-up blinds were recalled because of the risk of children being strangled by the cords. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, five deaths and 16 near-strangulations from Roman shades have been reported since 2006, while three deaths connected to roll-up blinds have been reported since 2001.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends cordless window coverings be used in all homes where children live or visit. It is also recommended that furniture be placed away from blinds with cords to keep children climbing up and reaching them. All shades with cords pose a risk of strangulation, but blinds with lifting loops are the most dangerous.

Several major retailers, including Wal-Mart, JCPenney and Pottery Barn, are participating in the recall.   Concerned consumers should check with the retailer where they purchased their blinds to determine their options. In addition, consumers can obtain free retrofit kits for Roman shades and roll-up blinds online at www.windowcoverings.org or by calling Window Covering Safety Council toll-free at 1-800-506-4636.