Threat to children prompts massive window shade recall

Government officials and window-covering manufacturers have issued an immediate recall for all Roman shades and roll-up blinds for homes with small children. The reason: Tiny tots can easily become tangled in these product's cords -- an occurrence which can lead to strangulation.

Strangulations in Roman shades most commonly occur when a young child places their neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind. Similarly, a child's neck can also become constricted when entangled in the lifting loop of a roll-up blind. "Parents need to understand that these are hidden dangers, that a child can get entangled or strangled on these cords very quickly," said Inez Tenenbaum, a chairman for the CPSC. Parents who have Roman or roll-up shades in their homes should discontinue their usage right away or contact the Window Covering Safety Council at (800) 506-4636 to receive a free repair kit.

To learn more about this serious recall, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site. For other solid baby-safe product suggestions read our recent reports on monitors, cribs and carseats.