CPSCDecember 15, 2009

Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair

Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Matchstick Roll-Up Shades by International Merchandise; Sold Exclusively at Big Lots

Why was Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair recalled?

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.

What should I do if I have this product?

Consumers should immediately stop using the roll-up shades and contact the Window Covering Safety Council for a free repair kit. Contact: For additional information, contact the Window Covering Safety Council at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org

What to do with a recalled product: refunds, receipts, safe disposal and how to report a problem.

Is my product affected?

Compare the item in your hand with every identifier below from the official CPSC record. Only products that match the listed product and identifiers are part of this recall.

Product
Deluxe Matchstick Roll-up Shades
Company
International Merchandise of Columbus, Ohio
Quantity
About 355,000
Sold at
Big Lots nationwide from January 2009 through June 2009 for between $5 and $12.
Recall date
December 15, 2009
Incidents / injuries
No incidents or injuries have been reported.
Agency
CPSC

Product 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."

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