Child Safety: National Recall Of Roman Shades By Ethan Allen

This week, thee U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning concerning 163,000 Roman Shades by Ethan Allen. Strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the shade or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Also, strangulation can occur when a child’s neck become entangled on the free-standing loop.

This recall involves all styles and sizes of Roman shades sold under the Ethan Allen brand name. These custom-ordered, made-to-order shades were sold in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes. The shades have no labels or markings making reference to the Ethan Allen brand. They were sold at Ethan Allen Design Centers since at least 1999 through December 2009. Most are priced between $400 and $1,000.

Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and contact the place where they purchased the shades. The reason is multiple examples of children being tangled in the open cords and three cases of children being killed. The concern is that strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck in an exposed inner and open cord.

CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman Blinds and shades in their homes. If looped pull cords are present or exposed, inner cords are found on the back of blinds or shades, and children are in the home or occasionally visit your home, please consider replacing them with blinds or shades that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords.

If you or a family member is injured by a product, you need to get immediate medical care. If there is a significant affect or injury, you should contact an attorney concerning the problem. Early investigation can include the collection of product, checking recall alerts, and the proper notifying of those who caused the problem.