FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2009
Release # 10-070 |
Repair Kit Hotline: (800) 506-4636
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
|
Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Matchstick Roll-Up Shades by International Merchandise; Sold Exclusively at Big Lots
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Deluxe Matchstick Roll-up Shades
Units: About 355,000
Importer: International Merchandise of Columbus, Ohio
Hazard: 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. Also, children can become entangled in the looped pull cord.
Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves Deluxe Matchstick Roll-Up Shades with widths of 24”, 36”, 48” and 72” by 72” long in a “natural” color that are suspended by two cord loops called lifting loops or inner cords. The inner cords are attached to the head rail on one end and on the other end they go through the head rail and a cord lock and end in a looped cord that is used to raise and lower the shade. Both the head rail and bottom rail are made of bamboo and there is a warning label near the bottom that advises: “Young children can become entangled and strangle in cord or bead loops.”
Sold at: Big Lots nationwide from January 2009 through June 2009 for between $5 and $12.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the roll-up shades and contact the Window Covering Safety Council for a free repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Window Covering Safety Council at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org
Note: Examine all shades and blinds in your home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC recommends the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.