50 Million Shades and Blinds Recalled Due to Children’s Strangulation Risks

More than 50 million Roman-style shades and roll-up blinds have been recalled because children may become entangled and strangled in the cords on the window coverings.

Today’s action by the government and the window covering industry is just the latest large recall of shades and blinds, which according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission have caused at least eight deaths and 16 near-strangulations since 2001.

In October, nearly one million Roman shades and roller blinds were ordered recalled due to strangulation risks.

Children can get their neck stuck in the cords that allow the window shades to be rolled up or down, safety officials said. Children also may be injured when they get their neck stuck between the loops in the Roman shade fabric and the hanging cords, according to an Associated Press report.

The CPSC and the window covering industry are urging parents to carefully examine all shades and blinds in their homes to make sure they have no accessible cords. Also, parents and other child care providers are advised not to place cribs, beds, or other furniture close to windows, since infants and toddlers can climb on the furniture and reach the cords.

In homes with young children, safety officials recommend using cordless window coverings instead of Roman shades or roll-up blinds.

The recalled Roman shades and roll-up blinds were sold under various brand names in major nationwide retailers including Wal-Mart, JCPenney, and Pottery Barn. The stores also are participating in the recall.

Consumers can obtain free retrofit kits for Roman shades and roll-up blinds online at http://www.windowcoverings.org or by calling the Window Covering Safety Council toll-free at 1-800-506-4636, officials said.

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