Death of Child Prompts Recall of Window Blinds by Blind Xpress
CPSC recall 12273 · announced September 6, 2012 · Blind Xpress Of Livonia, Mich · 139,000 units affected
The product
This recall involves all Blind Xpress custom-made vertical blinds that do not have a cord-tensioning device that attaches to the wall or floor, as well as all horizontal blinds that do not have inner cord stop devices.
The hazard
The vertical blinds have an adjustment cord that forms a loop that is not attached to the wall or floor. In some instances, this loop has a weighted device at the bottom. The horizontal blinds do not have inner cord stop devices to prevent the accessible inner cords from being pulled out. A child can become entangled in a cord loop and strangle.
What to do (per CPSC)
CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using the window coverings and contact the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) to receive a free repair kit. For more information, contact the WCSC toll-free at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): In 2009, a 2-year-old girl from Commerce Township, Mich. reportedly strangled in the loop of a vertical blind cord that was not attached to the wall or floor.
Sold at: Various blind specialty stores in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana from January 1995 through December 2011 for between $16 and $380.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.