Death of three kids results in major window blind recall
The Associated Press reported today that the Consumer Product Safety Commission had ordered the recall of millions of window blinds and shades, after the strangulation death of three children who became entangled in the window covering cords. The window treatments were sold at Target, IKEA and Pottery Barn Kids, among other retail outlets. The deaths, dating back to 2006, involved manufacturers Vertical Land Inc., and Lewis Hyman Inc. Free retrofit kits are available for the Vertical Land blinds and free repair kits are offered by Lewis Hyman for its products.
The remaining product recalls have been associated with child injuries, but thus far no deaths, thankfully. They include MELINA roman blinds from IKEA, roman shades sold by Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Thermal Sailcloth and Matchstick Bamboo roman shades imported by Victoria Classics and roller shades distributed by Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. Refunds or repair kits are offered for all of the identified products. Further information on product recalls is always available at http://www.cpsc.gov.