Information
1998-67
October 5, 1998
Hazard Associated with blind and curtain cords
OTTAWA - 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 1984, 15 children died by strangulation after having wrapped a blind or curtain cord around their neck. Furthermore, 15 serious incidents, involving very young children have been reported to Health Canada.
Health Canada recommends keeping cords out of the reach of young children by cutting or tying-up the cords or by installing 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. It is important to remain even more vigilant when visiting family and friends because there have been cases of "visiting" children who became entangled in cords and died from strangulation.
Health Canada distributes, free of charge to the public, an information bulletin that explains the danger of these products and also provides safety tips to help prevent deaths and injuries associated with cords.
Health Canada is committed to reducing the hazards associated with products and is currently working with the Canadian window covering industry and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to put in place a Canadian standard to make these products safer.
For more information, please call Product Safety, Health Canada at:
Burnaby (604) 666-5003
Hamilton (905) 572-2845
Edmonton (403) 495-2626
Longueuil (450) 646-1353
Calgary (403) 292-4677
Sillery (418) 648-4327
Saskatoon (306) 975-4028
Moncton (506) 851-6638
Winnipeg (204) 983-5490
Dartmouth (902) 426-8300
Toronto (416) 973-4705
St. John's (709) 772-4050
-30-
Media Inquiries:
Yves Fortin
Health Canada
(613) 952-6260
Jonathan Williams
Health Canada
(613) 957-0773
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
|
