Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Recall of Roman Blinds; Sold Exclusively at IKEA
CPSC recall 09050 · announced November 20, 2008 · Ikea Home Furnishings · 670,000 units affected
The product
This recall involves all sizes of IRIS and ALVINE Roman Blinds in white. The blinds have a sewn-in label at the top edge of the blind with the IKEA logotype, article name (IRIS or ALVINE), 5-digit supplier number 19799 or 21369, four-digit date stamp (YYWW) and the words "Made in India". On the bottom edge of the blind there is a sewn-in orange/white safety warning label. The blinds are made from 100% cotton.
The hazard
Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck in an exposed inner cord on the backside of the roman blinds.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Roman Blinds and return them to any IKEA store to obtain a full refund.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): On April 4, 2008, a 1-year-old girl in Greenwich, Conn. became entangled in the inner cord of an IKEA Roman Blind and strangled. The child was in a portable playpen that was located underneath a fully lowered roman blind. She was found partially suspended with the inner cord of the blind wrapped twice around her neck.
Sold at: IKEA stores nationwide from July 2005 through June 2008 for between $7 and $30.
Consumer contact: For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.ikea-usa.com
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.