Safety regulator, Ace Hardware Corp. Announce Recall of Vinyl Window Blinds
Recall 00122 · Jun 8, 2000 · Ace Hardware Corp.
87,000
units affected
87,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 00122
- Date
- Jun 8, 2000
- Company
- Ace Hardware Corp.
- Units affected
- 87,000
- Product
- Vinyl window blinds
- Product type
- Blinds, Shades & Cords
- Hazard
- Poisoning
The product
The recalled vinyl blinds are white miniblinds and woodgrain roll- up blinds. Sizes of the blinds range from 23 inches wide by 42 inches long to 72 inches wide by 120 inches long. Writing on the label of the white miniblinds reads "Safe Nonleaded Vinyl Formulation." Writing on the label of both blinds reads "MANUFACTURED IN THAILAND FOR ACE HARDWARE CORP."
What can happen
These blinds contain lead exceeding government guidelines, and do not have required labeling warning they contain lead. Over time, vinyl deteriorates from exposure to sunlight and heat, forming lead dust on the surface of the blind. Young children can ingest lead by wiping their hands on the blinds and then putting their hands in their mouths. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.
The fix
Consumers should remove the window blinds from windows and keep them away from children. Consumers can return the window blinds to the store where they were purchased, for a refund.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of lead poisonings.
- Sold at
- Ace Hardware and other hardware stores nationwide sold the window blinds, from August 1999 through May 2000, for between $6 and $27.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled vinyl window blinds?
Consumers should remove the window blinds from windows and keep them away from children. Consumers can return the window blinds to the store where they were purchased, for a refund.
What is the hazard?
These blinds contain lead exceeding government guidelines, and do not have required labeling warning they contain lead. Over time, vinyl deteriorates from exposure to sunlight and heat, forming lead dust on the surface of the blind. Young children can ingest lead by wiping their hands on the blinds and then putting.
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.