Consumer Advisory: Roman Shades, Roll-Up Blinds Recalled Due to Strangulation Risk

(Phoenix, Ariz. -- Dec. 15, 2009) Attorney General Terry Goddard today urged all Arizonans, especially those with children in their homes, to take note of a national recall of all Roman shades and roll-up blinds announced earlier today. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in conjunction with the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC), said today that all Roman shades and roll-up blinds are being voluntarily recalled due to the risk of strangulation to young children. Millions of these window coverings are sold in the United States each year. The CPSC has received reports of eight deaths and 16 near-strangulations in connection with these products in recent years. 

According to federal regulators, anyone with Roman shades or roll-up blinds in their home should contact the WCSC immediately at www.windowcoverings.org or (800) 506-4636 to receive a free repair kit.

Federal regulators also gave the following guidelines for those with children in their homes:

  • 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. 

Additional information on this recall is available from the CPSC on their Web site, www.cpsc.gov, or by calling (800) 638-2772.