Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Matchstick Roll-Up Shades by International Merchandise; Sold Exclusively at Big Lots
Recall 10070 · Dec 15, 2009 · International Merchandise
355,000
units affected
355,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 10070
- Date
- Dec 15, 2009
- Company
- International Merchandise
- Units affected
- 355,000
- Product
- Deluxe Matchstick Roll-up Shades
- Product type
- Blinds, Shades & Cords
- Hazard
- Strangulation
The product
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."
What can happen
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.
The fix
Consumers should immediately stop using the roll-up shades and contact the Window Covering Safety Council for a free repair kit.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- No incidents or injuries have been reported.
- Sold at
- Big Lots nationwide from January 2009 through June 2009 for between $5 and $12.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled deluxe matchstick roll-up shades?
Consumers should immediately stop using the roll-up shades and contact the Window Covering Safety Council for a free repair kit.
What is the 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.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.