Dangerous Blinds and Shades Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of millions of window blinds and shades, involving several companies. Several big-name companies, including Pottery Barn Kids and IKEA, are involved in the recall. The recall was announced due to the deaths of three children, and other reports of injuries, caused by the blinds and shades. Children are getting caught in the cords of the blinds and shades, and suffering strangulation. The three reported deaths caused by blinds or shades, all involved products made or imported by Vertical Land, Inc., of Panama City Beach, Florida and Lewis Hyman Inc. in Carson, Californi. According to the CPSC, though no deaths were associated with the Pottery Barn or IKEA shades and blinds, there have been entanglement reports with the Pottery Barn Kids shades.

The Vertical Land blinds were sold in Florida, from 1992-2006. Lewis Hyman roll up blinds were sold from 1999-2003 in retail stores, and Target was the exclusive retailer of Woolrich roman shades, which were sold from 2006-2008. Also included in the recall are Pottery Barn Kids/Williams-Sonoma roman shades, IKEA MELINA roman blinds, Thermal Sailcloth and Matchstick Bamboo roman shades from Target stores, and Lutron Electronics Co. roller shades. The CPSC chairman asserts that the blinds and shades pose a hidden hazard, and that parents should immediately inspect their blinds and shades and obtain the free repair or refund offered by the affected companies.