Consumer protection agencies from the United States, Canada and 27 European countries are joining forces to call for stronger safety standards on window coverings that pose choking hazards for children.
Since December 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled over 60 million Roman shades and window blinds, after receiving reports of over 20 child deaths and near-strangulations since 2006. Many big retailers like Walmart, JCPenney, Pottery Barn and IKEA have since recalled their shades and blinds.
Consumer protection agencies from the 29 countries sent a letter to industry and standards organizations in their respective regions on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations for the products.
CPSC spokeswoman Stacey Palosky said the agency often works with Canada, but noted that it was the first time it was coordinating efforts with more than a few countries concerning a single product.
Since 1999, the CPSC has recorded 120 fatalities and 113 non-fatal incidents relates to corded window coverings. In Europe, 90 children visited the emergency room for injuries linked to shades and blinds, and six have died since 2008. Canada has seen 28 strangulation deaths and 23 near-strangulations since 1986.
