Recall: Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall of Roman Shades; Sold Exclusively at West Elm

Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall of Roman Shades; Sold Exclusively at West Elm

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: Jute/Poly Roman Shades

Units: About 42,000

Distributor: West Elm of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: Strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the shade or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves all sizes and colors of West Elm Jute/Poly Roman shades. An orange, black and white label located at the bottom edge of the shades warns that “Cords and bead chains can loop around child’s neck and STRANGLE.”

Sold: West Elm catalog nationwide and through the firm’s Web site at www.westelm.com from January 2005 through August 2009 for between $30 and $40.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Roman shades and contact West Elm to arrange for free pick up of the shade. A merchandise card in the value of the purchase will be issued once the shade is received by the firm.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact West Elm toll-free at (800) 492-1949 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.westelm.com

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.