U.S. pulls cord on 50 million blinds after child deaths
December 16, 2009
ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON–The U.S. government has ordered a recall of 50 million Roman-style shades and roll-up blinds because of the risk children may get strangled by the cords.
Officials say five deaths and 16 near-strangulations from Roman shades have been reported since 2006, with three deaths tied to roll-up blinds counted since 2001.
Health Canada has reissued a Nov. 20 warning on Roman blinds, advising parents of the risk to young children. No recall is involved.
Roman shades can become dangerous, Health Canada reiterated, if a child's neck gets stuck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind, or if the cord gets wrapped around a child's neck.
Roll-up blinds pose a choking threat if the lifting loop slides off the side of the blind and entangles a child's neck, or if the neck gets caught between the lifting loop and the roll-up material.
Parents are urged to examine all shades and blinds in the home to guard against accessible cords. They're advised not to place cribs, beds or other furniture close to windows that children can climb to reach the cords.
Canadians can obtain free retrofit kits for blinds or Roman shades at www.windowcoverings.org or by calling 1-800-506-4636.
Toronto Star