
On Monday, December 15, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a large recall of Roman shades and roll-up style blinds. The concern with the blinds is that children can get caught in the cord, and strangle themselves to death.
In an interview with Matt Lauer of The Today Show, Inez Tenenbaum, the CPSC Chairman, said, "Parents need to understand that these are hidden dangers, that a child can get entangled or strangled on these cords very quickly."
As a result of the recall, a free window covering repair kit is being offered to help prevent further deaths from Roman shades or roll-up blinds.