Ikea Shade Recall: Roman Shades and Roll-up Blinds Pose Risk to Children

About 670,000 Ikea blinds sold throughout the United States have been recalled because an exposed inner cord on the backside of certain roman shades could pose a strangulation risk.

The Ikea shade recall involves IRIS Roman blinds and ALVINE roman blinds, which were sold between July 2005 and June 2008 for between $7 and $30.

The recall was issued after a one year old girl from Connecticut died after the inner cord from an Ikea Roman Blind became wrapped twice around her neck, causing her to be strangled in a portable playpen located under the window where the blind was hung.

All sizes of Ikea Iris Roman Blinds and Ikea Alvine Roman blinds have been recalled. The shades were sold in white with a label at the top edge of the blinds containing the Iris or Alvine brand name and a supplier number of 19799 or 21369.

A similar blinds recall was issued yesterday for about 7,300 Insulated Black-Out Roller Shades and Insulated Roman Shades manufactured by Green Mountain Vista, of Williston, Vermont. The shades contain a looped bead chain that hangs loosely by the blinds, posing a risk of strangulation to children.

According to that blinds recall notice, at least one two year old girl suffered severe neck injuries when her head became entangled in the bead chain attached to the roman blinds. Fortunately, an older brother was nearby and able to rescue the girl, who suffered deep neck bruising from the incident.

On November 20, 2008, Health Canada, issued a warning to consumers about all types of Roman shades and rollup blinds that contain any type of exposed or loose cords, which could allow enough space for a child to insert their head and neck.