This morning on Good Morning America a massive recall for at least 50 million sets of blinds, roller shades and roman shades was announced. The cords on the blinds pose a huge strangulation hazard to children. At least five children have died and another 16 have been reportedly strangled in the cords. The CPSC is issuing this recall on virtually every blind on the market.
About five million Roman shades and about three million roll-up blinds are sold each year. All of these are being recalled by the CPSC. The Consumer Protection Safety Committee (CPSC) has received reports of five deaths and 16 near strangulations, since 2006, in Roman shades and three deaths, since 2001, in roll-up blinds.
How does strangulation occur?
Strangulations in Roman shades can occur when a child places his or her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.
Strangulations in roll-up blinds can occur if the lifting loop slides off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.
Major retailers are issuing their own recalls in addition to the CPSC.
Walmart has now issued recalls for 500,000 Roman shades and 600,000 roll-up blinds. JCPenny recalled more than 2.2 million Roman shades and about 340 roll-up blinds. The Pottery Barn recalled about 305,000 Roman shades and 45,000 roller shades.
The CPSC offers this advice about blinds in the home:
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.
Who do I call?
Consumers that have Roman or roll-up shades in their homes should contact the WCSC immediately at www.windowcoverings.org or by calling (800) 506-4636 anytime to receive a free repair kit.
Written by Cheryl Phillips
HULIQ.com
sources: GMA, CPSC
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
