Since December 2009, millions of window coverings have been recalled worldwide for hazardous cording. In the US, 120 child deaths from strangulation and 113 injuries were linked to the shades and blinds since 1999. In June, some 29 countries partnered through the CPSC, Health Canada, and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Consumers to target unsafe window coverings.
This year the largest recalls include 6 million Roman shades and about 5 million roll-up blinds from Lowe’s; 3.4 million Ikea Roman, roller, and roll-up blinds; and 1.3 million Smith and Noble Roman and roller shades.
