US CPSC Voluntary Recall of Curtain Made in Mexico in China
In a recent development, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Smith+Noble have jointly announced a voluntary recall of Roman blinds and roller blinds from China, Mexico, and the United States. The affected products include all custom Roman shades and any blinds that do not come with tensioners. A total of 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 Roman curtains and roller blinds have been recalled due to similar safety concerns.
The primary issue stems from the presence of unsecured cords 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. The CPSC has urged consumers to stop using these products immediately and contact the curtain safety committee for a free inspection and necessary modifications to ensure the installation of 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 study 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 have been reported since 1986. In 2002, 90 children across seven EU countries were hospitalized due to injuries caused by curtain cords. Since 2008, at least six people in Europe have lost their lives to the same issue.
In response, 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 among 29 institutions across 29 countries, emphasizing the urgent need for mandatory safety standards for specific products like window blinds.
Ningbo, a major export hub for textiles and window coverings, saw significant exports of curtains and related products in the first half of 2010, totaling $69 million. Over time, the function of curtains has evolved beyond mere privacy and light control, now offering features such as insulation, heat protection, and aesthetic appeal. As a result, the market has expanded from traditional fabric curtains to modern options like shutters, Roman shades, and roller blinds.
Despite these advancements, the risk posed by curtain cords remains a critical concern, particularly for young children. To address this, the inspection and quarantine authorities have urged manufacturers to improve safety awareness and adhere strictly to international standards. They recommend eliminating or minimizing the use of cords and ensuring that all products include fixed tensioning mechanisms.
Families with children are also advised to install safety devices that prevent access to cords or reduce their visibility. It is especially important to avoid having any accessible ropes in children's bedrooms and sleeping areas. Installing cordless window coverings in these spaces can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and help keep kids safe.
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