Lewis Hyman Recalls Roll-Up Blinds and Roman Shades Due to Strangulation Risk

Plain-English summary

Lewis Hyman Inc. is recalling approximately 4.2 million roll-up blinds and 600,000 Woolrich Roman shades due to a strangulation hazard. The recalled roll-up blinds are those without release clips on the backside; the recalled Roman shades include all units. The roll-up blinds feature plastic oval-shaped slats and were sold nationwide from January 1999 through December 2003. The Roman shades were sold exclusively at Target stores and Target.com from March 2006 through December 2008.

The hazard exists because lifting loops on the roll-up blinds can slide off the side, allowing a child's neck to become entangled. Additionally, children can place their necks between the lifting loop and the blind material. For the Roman shades, the hazard occurs when a child places their neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside, or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around their neck.

Two fatalities have been reported in connection with these products. In November 2007, a 1-year-old boy in Maine became entangled and strangled in a lift cord loop. In October 2008, a 13-month-old boy in Arkansas was found with his head between the exposed inner cord and the cloth of a Roman shade, resulting in strangulation.

Consumers should immediately check the backside of their roll-up blinds for release clips. If the clips are missing, stop using the blind immediately and contact Lewis Hyman for a free repair kit. Consumers should also immediately stop using all Woolrich Roman shades and contact Lewis Hyman for a free repair kit. Repair kits for the Roman shades were expected to be available by the end of September 2009.

The recalled product

Product

Oval Roll-up Blinds and Woolrich Roman Shades

Manufacturer

Lewis Hyman Inc., of Carson, Calif.

Category

Consumer Product — Window Coverings

Hazard

• strangulation

Affected units

600,000

Distribution

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