Lutron Roller Shades Recalled for Strangulation Risk

Plain-English summary

Lutron Shading Solutions is recalling about 245,000 custom-ordered, made-to-measure manual roller shades. The shades were manufactured by Virginia Iron and Metal Company Inc. (VIMCO) and sold by specialty dealers and Expo Design Centers nationwide from January 2000 through April 2009 for between $200 and $2,000 per shade. The shades feature a label on an adhesive strip connecting the fabric to the roller tube that reads "Lutron Shading Solutions" and "800-446-1503." They were sold with a hang tag warning that young children can strangle in cord and bead chain loops, though the tag may have been discarded during installation.

The recall is prompted by the risk of strangulation if the shade's looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or floor and a child's neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop. No injuries have been reported in connection with this recall.

Consumers should immediately check their window coverings to ensure the tension device is attached to the cord and installed into the wall or floor. If the device is not attached, consumers should stop using the window coverings and contact Lutron Electronics to receive a free repair kit. For additional information, consumers can contact Lutron at (866) 793-4270 or visit www.lutron.com/cordedshades.

The recalled product

Product

Roller Shades

Manufacturer

Virginia Iron and Metal Company Inc. (VIMCO), of Ashland, Va.

Category

Consumer Product — Window Coverings

Hazard

• strangulation

Affected units

245,000

Distribution

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