US CPSC Voluntary Recall of Curtain Made in Mexico in China
In a recent joint announcement, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Smith+Noble have initiated a voluntary recall of Roman blinds and roller blinds sourced from China, Mexico, and the United States. The affected products include all custom Roman shades and any blinds that lack tensioners. Approximately 1.3 million units are involved in this recall. This is not the first time CPSC has taken action—since December 2009, millions of similar curtain products have been recalled due to safety concerns.
The primary issue stems from the presence of internal cords or drawstrings in these window coverings. If a child gets their neck caught between the cord and the curtain, or if the cord wraps around their neck, it can lead to serious injury or even suffocation. In some cases, unsecured roller blind cords can also pose a similar risk. As a result, CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using these products and contact the curtain safety committee for a free inspection and retrofitting with proper tensioning devices.
According to reports, curtain pull cords have been linked to numerous child fatalities and injuries worldwide. In the U.S., a CPSC survey revealed that since 1999, 120 children have died and 113 have suffered non-fatal injuries due to curtain cords. In Canada, 28 deaths and 23 injuries were reported between 1986 and 2002. Meanwhile, in the European Union, 90 children were hospitalized across seven countries in 2002 due to curtain-related injuries. Since 2008, at least six people in Europe have lost their lives due to similar incidents.
To address these ongoing risks, the CPSC, the Canadian Ministry of Health, and the European Commission’s Department of Health and Consumer Protection have called on manufacturers and standard-setting bodies to establish global safety regulations for window coverings. This marks the first initiative by 29 institutions across 29 countries, emphasizing the urgent need for mandatory safety standards for specific products.
Ningbo, a major hub for textile exports, plays a significant role in the global curtain market. In the first half of 2010 alone, the city exported $69 million worth of curtains and related textile products. Over the years, the function of curtains has evolved beyond mere privacy and light control, now serving as decorative, insulating, and protective elements. Modern options such as shutters, Roman shades, and roller blinds have become increasingly popular. However, the danger posed by curtain cords, especially to young children, remains a critical oversight.
To mitigate this risk, the inspection and quarantine authorities have urged manufacturers to enhance their awareness of the potential harm caused by loose cords. They recommend strict adherence to safety standards, active research into safer designs, and the elimination of pull cords where possible, ensuring that all products are equipped with fixed and tensioned systems. Families with young children are also advised to install cordless curtains or safety devices that prevent access to cords in bedrooms and other areas where children spend time. By taking these precautions, parents can significantly reduce the risk of accidental injuries and protect their children from life-threatening situations.
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