New York Times- A Debate over Window Blinds
Child deaths spur calls for safety measures.
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Fifth update to Voluntary standard ignores main strangulation hazard
Voluntary standard revised to require warnings on packaging. CPSC calls to limit cords to no longer than the neck circumference of a child is rejected as unfeasible. Chairman Tenenbaum said, “The new standard fell short of preventing window blind cord strangulation hazards citing the specific danger posed by operating cords and looped cords.” Operating cords…
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PFWBS starts Seal of Approval Program
The PFWBS Mom-Approved™ program was initially developed to provide clarity to the marketplace. This is an unbiased safety testing program developed by safety experts outside of the window covering industry.
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Trilateral Letter from U.S., Canada and Europe
Regulators In the U.S., Canada, and Europe Issue Joint Statement to the Window Covering Manufacturing Association (WCMA) calling for tougher standards. The industry promises a comprehensive revision.
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Fourth Attempt to update safety standard does not eliminate hazards
In 2009, the ANSI standard was updated to address Roman shade inner cord hazards, which was (3% of accidents). CPSC and the Industry announced a recall of Roman shades and roll-up blinds. 13 children died in 2009
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18 Children die from cords this year
CPSC counts 18 children fatally strangled by cords on window coverings, many that had met the current safety standard.
