Near Strangulation of Children Prompts Recall of Roman Shades; Sold Exclusively at Pottery Barn Kids
CPSC recall 09326 · announced August 26, 2009 · Pottery Barn Kids/williams-sonoma, Inc. Of San Francisco, Calif · 85,000 units affected
The product
This recall involves all sizes and colors of Pottery Barn Kids roman shades with exposed inner cords on the back. Two sewn-in labels are located at the bottom edge of the shade. The smaller label identifies the manufacturer as "pottery barn kids" while the second larger orange, black and white label warns that "Cords and bead chains can loop around child's neck and STRANGLE." Roman shades with a fabric covering over the cords are not being recalled.
The hazard
Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled roman shades and contact Pottery Barn Kids to receive a merchandise card for the purchase value.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): There have been six reports of children becoming entangled in the exposed inner cord on the back of the shade between March 2006 and July 2008. Four children were found with cords entangled around their necks. Scissors were used to release two of these children. Two children were found with red marks around their necks after having freed themselves. No permanent injuries were sustained.
Sold at: Pottery Barn Kids catalog nationwide and through the firm's Web site at www.potterybarnkids.com from January 2003 through May 2007 for between $30 and $60.
Consumer contact: For additional information, contact Pottery Barn Kids toll-free at (800) 492-1949 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site atwww.potterybarnkids.com.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.