Recall: Vinyl Window Blinds Recalled by Ace Hardware

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 8, 2000 Release # 00-122

Ace Recall Hotline: (877) 223-4391 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Ace Hardware Corp. Announce Recall of Vinyl Window Blinds

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ace Hardware Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill., is recalling about 87,000 vinyl window blinds. These blinds contain lead exceeding government guidelines, and do not have required labeling warning they contain lead.

Over time, vinyl deteriorates from exposure to sunlight and heat, forming lead dust on the surface of the blind. Young children can ingest lead by wiping their hands on the blinds and then putting their hands in their mouths. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

CPSC and Ace Hardware are not aware of any lead poisonings involving these window blinds. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of lead poisonings.

The recalled vinyl blinds are white miniblinds and woodgrain roll- up blinds. Sizes of the blinds range from 23-inches wide by 42-inches long to 72-inches wide by 120-inches long. Writing on the label of the white miniblinds reads "Safe Nonleaded Vinyl Formulation." Writing on the label of both blinds reads "MANUFACTURED IN THAILAND FOR ACE HARDWARE CORP."

Ace Hardware and other hardware stores nationwide sold the window blinds from August 1999 through May 2000 for between $6 and $27.

Consumers should remove the window blinds from windows and keep them away from children. Consumers can return the window blinds to the store where they were purchased for a refund. For more information, call Ace Hardware Corp. toll-free at (877) 223-4391 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.