Government safety regulators and the window-covering industry have recalled all Roman shades and roll-up blinds in homes with small children. The concern is that a child can easily become entangled in the cords and strangle to death.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Tuesday that about 50 million window coverings need to be repaired to make them safe for kids. About 5 million Roman shades and 3 million roll-up blinds are sold each year.

A reported eight children have died and 16 were nearly strangled in window-covering cords since 2001

Strangulations in Roman shades can occur when a child places his neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child wraps the cord around his neck. With roll-up blinds, the hazard occurs when a child's neck becomes entangled in the lifting loop.

"Parents need to understand that these are hidden dangers, that a child can get entangled or strangled on these cords very quickly," said Inez Tenenbaum, the Federal Government’s Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman.

Shade safety

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Window Covering Safety Council urge caregivers to follow these guidelines:

• Make sure there are no cords where a child can get stuck. Cordless window coverings should be used in all homes where children live or visit.
• Do not place cribs, beds and furniture close to window shades with cords.

The Government has issued so many recalls for different types of shades and blinds, it is considering new design standards to keep kids safe.

Blinds and shades are commonly sold at Wal-Mart, Pottery Barn, IKEA and Target. Cordless window coverings are recommended for all homes where children live or visit.

If someone you know has been injured by a window shade or blind call the Law Office of William A. Gallina, Esq. We can help