Window shade recall is massive

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a series of window shade and blinds recalls Tuesday due to a risk of strangulation to children.

The recalls involves eight separate announcements covering "all Roman shades and roll-up blinds," the commission said.

The recalls involved blinds and window shades sold at Wal-Mart, J.C. Penney, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, The Land of Nod, All Strong Industry, West Elm, Big Lots and Ace Hardware.

The recall concerns window shades with cords that form a loop around the bottom of the shade for lifting and lowering. About 5 million Roman shades and about 3 million roll-up window blinds are sold each year, the commission said.

The recalls are the result of 15 years of studies on window coverings, Inez Tenenbaum, CPSC chairman said.

The commission said it has reviewed reports of five deaths and 15 near strangulations since 2006.

The recall involves shades and blinds made in the United States, China, Taiwan, Mexico, Thailand and Hong Kong.

Hazards on most of the shades can be remedied with a free repair kit, the commission said.

Consumers were advised to call 800-506-4636 for more information.