Government Recalls 50M Blinds

After five deaths and 16 close calls since 2006, the government and window covering industry are recalling more than 50 million Roman-style shades and roll-up blinds. At risk are children who can get tangled in the cords or between the cord and the blind's fabric, leading to strangulation. The Consumer Product Safety Commission encouraged parents to assess their households and make sure the cords weren't accessible to children. Wal-Mart, JCPenney, Pottery Barn, and other large retailers are participating in the recall, and free retrofit kits are being offered for free by the Window Covering Safety Council.