Window Blind Recall Prompted by Strangulation Deaths

Posted on Dec 16, 2009 in 4 Feature Area, Appliance, Main Feature Area

Five children have died and 16 have been nearly strangled by Roman-style window shades since 2006, prompting the Consumer Products Safety Commission and Window Covering Safety Council to recall millions of these window shades. There have also been reports of three deaths since 2001 associated with roll-up shades, which the organizations are also recalling.

Roman-style shades (top photo) and roll-up blinds (bottom photo) have looped cords, in which a small child’s head can become entangled. The CPSC estimates about five million Roman shades and three million roll-up blinds are sold each year.

“Over the past 15 years, CPSC has been investigating window covering hazards and working with the WCSC to ensure the safety of window coverings,” said Inez Tenenbaum, CPSC chairman. The organizations report that since 1990, more than 200 children have died from strangulation associated with various types of window cords.

Consumers that have Roman or roll-up shades in their homes should contact the WCSC immediately.

Safety Tips From the CPSC and WCSC

To help prevent child strangulation in window coverings, CPSC and the WCSC urge parents and caregivers to follow these guidelines:

• Examine all shades and blinds in the home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC and the WCSC recommend the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.
• Do not place cribs, beds, and furniture close to the windows because children can climb on them and gain access to the cords.
• Make loose cords inaccessible.
• If the window shade has looped bead chains or nylon cords, install tension devices to keep the cord taut.