Advisory
2002-20
March 27, 2002
Health Canada reminds Canadians about the strangulation hazards associated with window blind and curtain cords
OTTAWA - Health Canada is committed to reducing the strangulation hazards to children. A recent tragedy in Ontario has underscored the need for parents and caregivers to protect children from strangulation hazards associated with blind and curtain cords.
Since 1989, 19 fatalities involving young children have been reported to Health Canada. These children died by strangulation while playing with window blind or curtain cords. Moreover, 17 near-miss incidents, involving young children, have also been reported to Health Canada.
Health Canada recommends keeping cords out of the reach of young children by cutting the cords and tying up the remaining lengths. Consumers can also install safety devices which are available at hardware stores or places that sell curtains and blinds. Additionally, cribs, children's beds and playpens should never be placed near windows or patio doors. The same applies to bookcases, sofas, chairs or other furniture. It is important to be especially vigilant when visiting family and friends because there have been cases of "visiting" children who became entangled in cords and died from strangulation.
Incidents have been reported in the United States where children have pulled the inner cords of older blinds and became entangled. Newly manufactured blinds have attachments on the pull cords that prevent the inner cords from forming a loop if pulled. Health Canada encourages parents and caregivers to immediately repair existing blinds. Consumers can call the  Children's Safety Association of Canada at 1-888-499-4444 to receive a free repair kit for each set of window blinds and curtains with cords that need repair in the home.
For more information on blind cord safety, please see our web site or contact the nearest Health Canada Product Safety Office listed below:
- Burnaby (604) 666-5003
- St. John's (709) 772-4050
- Edmonton (780) 495-2626
- Longueuil (450) 646-1353
- Calgary (403) 292-4677
- Montréal (514) 283-5488
- Saskatoon (306) 975-4028
- Québec (418) 648-4327
- Winnipeg (204) 983-5490
- Moncton (506) 851-6638
- Toronto (416) 973-4705
- Halifax (902) 426-8300
- Hamilton (905) 572-2845
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Media Inquiries:
Margot Geduld
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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