Window Covering Pull Cords Recalled Due to Child Strangulation Risk

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) announced a cooperative effort to protect children from strangulation hazards associated with window covering pull cords. The source text notes that these cords have been associated with at least 140 deaths since 1981. CPSC investigated seven such deaths in 1994 across Virginia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, Mississippi, Nevada, and California, and was investigating an eighth in Washington at the time of the announcement.

The hazard primarily affects young children, typically between 8 and 23 months old in cribs near windows, and older children between 2.5 and 4 years old who climb on furniture to reach cords. Most victims were found hanging in the loop of the cords. The collaborative program aims to eliminate the loop in most window blind cords by improving the safety of existing coverings, modifying future production, and implementing consumer education.

Consumers with window coverings are advised to call the toll-free number (800) 506-4636 to obtain safety tassels or find retailers that provide them. These tassels are intended to be installed on two-corded horizontal blinds and pleated or cellular shades. For vertical blinds, continuous loop systems, drapery cords, and chains, consumers should contact CPSC for information on tie-down devices. Parents are urged to keep cords and chains permanently out of the reach of children and to avoid placing cribs within reach of window blinds.

The recalled product

Product

Window blinds - window covering pull cords

Manufacturer

Window Covering Safety Council

Category

Consumer Product — Window Coverings

Hazard

• strangulation

Distribution

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