IKEA Recalls Roller Blinds, all Roman Blinds and all Roll-Up Blinds Due to Risk of Strangulation

What's being recalled

This recall involves roller blinds that do not have a tension device attached to the bead chain, all Roman blinds and all roll-up blinds.

The problem, in CPSC's words

Roller Blinds: Strangulations can occur if the blind's looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or the floor with the tension device provided and a child's neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop. Roman Blinds: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. An additional hazard exists when the Roman blind has a continuous looped bead chain that if not attached to the wall or floor, which poses a strangulation hazard to children. Roll-up Blinds Strangulations can occur if the lifting loops slide off the side of the blind and a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.

Incidents and injuries reported to CPSC

Roman Blinds: CPSC and IKEA received a new report of a 1 ½-year old boy in Lowell, Massachusetts who suffered a near strangulation in February 28, 2010. On April 4, 2008, a 1-year old girl in Greenwich, Conn. became entangled in the inner cord of an IKEA Roman blind and strangled. CPSC and IKEA also received a report of a 2-year old boy who suffered a near strangulation. The last two incidents prompted previous recalls. Roll-up Blinds and Roller Blinds: No incidents reported.

What CPSC says to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the roller blinds that do not have a tension device attached to the chain, all Roman blinds and all roll-up blinds and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund. In a previous recall, IKEA reminded consumers who have roller blinds with a tension device attached to the bead chain to make sure the tension device is installed into the wall or floor. If the consumer has difficulty installing the tension device, contact IKEA for additional information.

How to contact the company

For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.ikea-usa.com

Open the official CPSC notice