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Strangulation Deaths of Children Prompt Recall to Repair of Roll-Up Blinds and Roman Shades by Lewis Hyman Inc.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: ¼" Oval Roll-up Blinds and Woolrich Roman Shades

Units: About 4.2 million roll-up blinds and 600,000 Roman shades

Importer: Lewis Hyman Inc., of Carson, Calif.

Hazard: Roll-up Blinds: Strangulations can occur if the lifting loops slide off the side of the blind and a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.

Roman Shades: 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.

Incidents/Injuries: In November 2007, a 1-year-old boy from Norridgewock, Maine became entangled and strangled in the lift cord loop of a roll-up blind that had fallen into his portable crib. In October 2008, a 13-month-old boy from Conway, Ark. was found with his head between the exposed inner cord and the cloth on the backside of a Roman shade. The cord was not looped around the boy's neck but rather ran from ear to ear and strangled the child.

Description: This recall involves roll-up blinds without release clips (see picture below) and all Woolrich Roman shades. The roll-up blinds have plastic oval-shaped slats that measure about ¼ inch tall. The blinds measure either 72" or 96" long. The bottom rail has a WARNING label advising that "Young children can become entangled and strangle in cord or bead loops" and a label that reads "Lewis Hyman, Inc." and the year of manufacture. Roll-up blinds that have release clips right below the head rail on the backside of the blind are not included in this recall.

The Woolrich Roman shades come in twill fabric and micro-suede fabric and measure 72" long. The head rail has two labels that read "Lewis Hyman, Inc., www.lewishymaninc.com" and "LHI, 005301, Made in China" respectively.

Sold at: The Roman shades were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com from March 2006 through December 2008 for between $25 and $43. The roll-up blinds were sold at retail stores nationwide from January 1999 through December 2003 for between $6 and $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately check the backside of the roll-up blinds to determine if they have release clips. If the roll-up blind does not have release clips, stop using it immediately and contact Lewis Hyman for a free repair kit.

Consumers should immediately stop using the Roman shades and contact Lewis Hyman for a free repair kit. The repair kits for the Roman shades will be available by the end of September.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lewis Hyman toll-free at (877) 354-5457 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT daily, or visit the firm's Web site at www.lewishymaninc.com/recall

Note: CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman Shades and Roll-up blinds in their homes. If looped pull cords, exposed inner cords, or exposed lifting loops are found and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing the blinds or shades with products that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products and a video clip, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09324.html

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2. NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2009

Release # 09-325

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 966-4532

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Near Strangulation Prompts Recall of Roman Blinds; Sold Exclusively at IKEA

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: MELINA Roman Blinds

Units: About 120,000

Distributor: IKEA Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, Pa.

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. The Roman blind has a continuous looped bead chain that when not attached to the wall or floor, hangs loosely by the blind, posing a strangulation hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and IKEA received a report of a 2-year-old boy who suffered a near strangulation. His mother found him hanging from the looped bead chain.

Description: This recall includes all sizes/colors of MELINA Roman blinds. These blinds have a sewn-in label at the top edge of the blind with the IKEA logotype, article name (MELINA), 5-digit supplier number 19395, four digit date stamp (YYWW) and the words "Made in Taiwan". On the bottom edge of the blind there is a sewn-in orange/white safety warning label. The blinds are made from 100% polyester.

Sold at: IKEA stores nationwide from August 2006 through June 2008 for between $20 and $40.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Roman blinds and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund.

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

Note: CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman Blinds and shades in their homes. If looped pull cords are present or exposed inner cords are found on the back of blinds or shades and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing them with blinds or shades that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products and a video clip, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09325.html

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3. NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2009

Release # 09-326

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 492-1949

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Near Strangulation of Children Prompts Recall of Roman Shades; Sold Exclusively at Pottery Barn Kids

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Roman Shades

Units: About 85,000 units

Distributor: Pottery Barn Kids/Williams-Sonoma, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.

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.

Incidents/Injuries: 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.

Description: 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.

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.

Manufactured in: China and Hong Kong

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled roman shades and contact Pottery Barn Kids to receive a merchandise card for the purchase value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pottery Barn Kids toll-free at (800) 492-1949 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.potterybarnkids.com

Note: CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman Blinds and shades in their homes. If looped pull cords are present or exposed inner cords are found on the back of blinds or shades and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing them with blinds or shades that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products and a video clip, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09326.html

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4. NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2009

Release # 09-327

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 583-9845

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Victoria Classics Roman Shades; Sold Exclusively by Target Stores

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Thermal Sailcloth and Matchstick Bamboo Roman Shades

Units: About 163,000

Importer: Victoria Classics of Edison, N.J.

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. Exposed operating cords can knot or tangle creating a strangulation loop.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall includes two styles of shades - Thermal Sailcloth and Matchstick Bamboo roman Shades - all have a small sewn-in label on the back that reads "home, Made in China." The shades measure about 64 inches long. The widths of the thermal shades are 23, 27, 31 and 35 inches and were sold in coffee, red, ivory and tan. The widths of the Matchstick roman shades are 23, 27, 31, 35 and 36 inches and are brown.

Sold at: Target stores and at Target.com nationwide from September 2008 through June 2009 for between $15 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled roman shades and contact Victoria Classics to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Victoria Classics toll-free at (800) 583-9845 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET daily, or visit the firm's Web site at www.victoriaclassics.com

Note: CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman Shades and Roll-up blinds in their homes. If looped pull cords, exposed inner cords, or exposed lifting loops are found and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing the blinds or shades with products that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products and a video clip, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09327.html

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5. NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2009

Release # 09-328

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 793-4270

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roller Shades by Lutron Shading Solutions

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Roller Shades

Units: About 245,000

Distributor: Lutron Electronics Co. Inc., of Coopersburg, Pa.

Manufacturer: Virginia Iron and Metal Company Inc. (VIMCO), of Ashland, Va.

Hazard: Strangulations can occur if the shade's looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or the floor and a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves custom-ordered made-to-measure manual roller shades. The shades were sold in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes. They have a label on an adhesive strip that connects the shade fabric to the roller tube that reads "Lutron Shading Solutions" and "800-446-1503." The shade needs to be removed from the brackets and unrolled completely to access the label. The shade was sold with an orange, black and white hang tag warning consumers that "young children can STRANGLE in cord and bead chain loops." However, the hang tag may have been discarded upon installation. Nearly all shades were professionally installed.

Sold at: Specialty dealers and Expo Design Centers nationwide from January 2000 through April 2009 for between $200 and $2000 per shade.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately check their window coverings to see if the tension device is attached to the cord and installed into the wall or floor. If not attached, immediately stop using the window coverings and contact Lutron Electronics to receive a free repair kit. If the consumer has difficulty installing the tensioning device, contact Lutron for further instructions.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lutron at (866) 793-4270 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.lutron.com/cordedshades

Note: CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman Blinds and shades in their homes. If looped pull cords are present or exposed inner cords are found on the back of blinds or shades and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing them with blinds or shades that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products and a video clip, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09328.html

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6. NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2009

Release # 09-329

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 423-8653

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Recall To Repair Window Blinds By Vertical Land

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Products: Horizontal and Vertical Blinds and Cellular Shades

Units: About 15,400 (horizontal), 16,400 (vertical), 800 (Cellular Shades)

Manufacturer: Vertical Land Inc., of Panama City Beach, Fla.

Hazard: Horizontal Blinds: The blinds do not have inner cord stop devices to prevent the accessible inner cords from being pulled out. If an inner cord is pulled out, a child can become entangled in the loop and strangle.

Vertical Blinds: Strangulations can occur if a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop formed by the bead chain or by the cord with a weighted device.

Cellular Shades: Strangulations can occur if a child's neck becomes entangled on the shade's free-standing looped cord.

Incidents/Injuries: In May 2006, CPSC received a report of a 4-year-old girl from Pensacola, Fla., who strangled in the loop of a vertical blind cord that was not attached to the wall or floor.

Description: This recall involves all Vertical Land custom-made vertical and cellular window coverings that do not have a cord tensioning device and horizontal blinds that do not have inner cord stop devices. A sticker identification label can be found on the head rail of some of the window coverings which lists the company's name, address and telephone number.

Sold at: Vertical Land stores in Panama City and Pensacola, Fla. from January 1992 through December 2006 for between $60 and $200 (depending on the size of the blind).

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the window coverings and contact Vertical Land to receive a free retrofit kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Vertical Land at (800) 423-8653 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products and a video clip, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09329.html