Two more firms are recalling Roman shades and roll-up blinds that pose a strangulation risk to children. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), Lutron Electronics and Meijer are the latest firms to join a large recall of all Roman shades and roll-up blinds that was issued in December 2009.
That recall, issued jointly by the CPSC and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC), was one of the biggest product recalls in U.S. history. As we reported, the recall involved 50 million Roman shades and roll-up window blinds – every such blind on the market.
According to the CPSC, Roman shades have been implicated in the deaths of five children and 16 near strangulations since 2006. Roll-up blinds have been cited in three strangulation deaths since 2001. Strangulations in Roman shades can occur when a child places their neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around their neck, the agency said. Strangulations in roll-up blinds 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.
Lutron Electronics
Lutron Electronics is recalling about 5,000 Lutron Shading Solutions Roman Shades. This recall involves all custom-ordered made-to-measure motorized and manual Lutron Shading Solutions Roman shades. The shades were sold in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes. Nearly all shades were professionally installed. “Lutron Shading Solutions” or “Lutron Shading Solutions by VIMCO” is printed on the packaging. These Roman shades were sold through Specialty dealers and Expo Design Centers nationwide from January 2000 through August 2009 for between $120 and $4,500 per shade.
Consumers should immediately stop using the Roman shades and contact Lutron Electronics to coordinate the removal, repair, and reinstallation of the shades. Consumers with manual Roman shades should also immediately check if the tension device is attached to the looped operating cord and installed into the wall or floor. If not attached, consumers should contact Lutron Electronics to receive a free repair kit. If the tension device is attached but not installed, consumers should immediately install the device into the wall or floor. If the consumer has difficulty installing the tension device, contact Lutron for further instructions.
For additional information, contact Lutron toll-free at (866) 793-4270 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.lutron.com/CERUSromans.
Meijer
Meijer is recalling about 240,000 Innovations and “At Home with Meijer” Roman Shades and Roll-Up Blinds. his recall involves all Innovations and “At Home with Meijer” Roman shades and roll-up blinds. The Roman shades are made with fabric or bamboo and the Roll-up blinds with bamboo. A label reading “Innovation” or “At Home with Meijer” can be found under the headrail. These shades and blinds were sold at Meijer Stores and Meijer.com between January 2004 and December 2009 for about $40.
Consumers should immediately stop using the Roman shades and the roll-up blinds and contact the Window Covering Safety Council for a free repair kit at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org.
For additional information, contact Meijer at (800) 927-8699 anytime or visit the company’s Website at www.meijer.com.
