Published: June 2015

Protecting children from a common household item

Consumer advocates argue that it's time for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to regulate window blinds. They contend that the window covering industry’s current system of self-regulation is deeply inadequate and while the standard has been revised multiple times over the past two decades, it remains ineffective.

Since 1996, there have been 285 identified incidents of child strangulation by window covering cords. Over half of those incidents resulted in death. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that at least 11 fatal cord strangulations occurred every year from 1999 through 2010. By replacing the voluntary standard with a more stringent mandatory safety rule, the CPSC could significantly reduce or eliminate injuries and deaths associated with corded window coverings.

Consumer Action joins its coalition organizations in urging the CPSC to pass a mandatory law that will address this public health issue and protect the lives of innocent children while in their homes.

Lead Organization

Consumer Federation of America (CFA)

Other Organizations

Arizona PIRG | California PIRG | Chicago Consumer Coalition Colorado PIRG | Connecticut PIRG | Consumer Action | Consumer Federation of America | Consumer Federation of California | Consumers Union | Florida PIRG | Georgia PIRG | Illinois PIRG | Iowa PIRG | Massachusetts PIRG | Maryland PIRG | Missouri PIRG | National Consumers League | New Hampshire PIRG | New Jersey PIRG | New Mexico PIRG | New York PIRG | Ohio PIRG | Oregon PIRG | Pennsylvania PIRG | PIRG in Michigan | Rhode Island PIRG | Texas PIRG | Virginia Citizens Consumer Council | Washington PIRG | Wisconsin PIRG | U.S. PIRG

More Information

For more information, visit CFA's website.

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Protecting children from a common household item   (LettertoCPSCremandatoryregonblinds.pdf)