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The CPSC announced on June 10 that it was expanding its original recall on Roman shades and blinds. That recall, originally announced in December 2009 applied to these types of window coverings due to the strangulation risk posed to young children who become entangled in the cords. Approximately 3,360,000 window coverings were recalled, including about 790,000 Roman blinds in November 2008 and August 2009, and about 533,000 roller blinds October 2009.

The new IKEA recall covers the roller, Roman, and roll-up blinds sold by that company. The types of blinds covered pose several related threats as described by the CPSC:

Roller Blinds: Strangulations can occur if the blind's looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or the floor with the tension device provided and a child's neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop.

Roman Blinds: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her 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 his/her neck. An additional hazard exists when the roman blind has a continuous looped bead chain that if not attached to the wall or floor, which poses a strangulation hazard to children.

Roll-up Blinds: Strangulations can occur if the lifting loops slide 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.

The Commission has received reports of strangulation and near strangulation involving Roman blinds.

The recall applies to all roller blinds that do not have a tension device attached to the bead chain, all Roman blinds and all roll-up blinds. The blinds were sold at IKEA stores nationwide from January 1998 through June 2009 for between $5 and $55.

Consumers are asked to immediately stop using the roller blinds that do not have a tension device attached to the chain, all Roman blinds and all roll-up blinds and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund. In a previous recall, IKEA reminded consumers who have roller blinds with a tension device attached to the bead chain to make sure the tension device is installed into the wall or floor. If consumers have difficulty installing the tension device, they may contact IKEA for additional information.



For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.ikea-usa.com.

Related Resources:

• IKEA Recalls Roller Blinds, all Roman Blinds and all Roll-Up Blinds Due to Risk of Strangulation (CPSC)
• Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall of Roman Shades by Draper Inc. (FindLaw)
• Roll-Up Blinds, Roman Shades Recall: CPSC Recalls Millions after Deaths (FindLaw's Common Law)
• Strangulation Deaths Prompt Wave of Window Shade Recalls (FindLaw's Common Law)
• Wrongful Death FAQ (provided by Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger)
• Injuries from Dangerous or Defective Products (provided by Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, P.A.)