Recall: Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roll-Up Blinds by Lotus & Windoware: Sold Exclusively at Ace Hardware and Big Lots

Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roll-Up Blinds by Lotus & Windoware: Sold Exclusively at Ace Hardware and Big Lots

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

Units: About 250,000

Importer: Lotus & Windoware Inc., of Memphis, Tenn.

Hazard: Strangulations can occur if the lifting loop slides 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.

Incidents/Injuries: None.

Description: This recall involves all roll-up blinds without release clips (see picture below). The roll-up blinds have plastic, ¼” oval-shaped slats, and measure either 48” or 72” long. The blinds were sold with two warning hang tags indicating ways to avoid strangulation.

Sold at: Ace Hardware and Big Lots stores nationwide from January 1999 through April 2009 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 the blinds immediately and contact the Window Covering Safety Council for a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Window Covering Safety Council at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org

Note: Examine all shades and blinds in your home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC recommends the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.

Roll-Up Blind without Release Clip


Roll-Up Blind with Release Clip