Advisory
2000-109
November 8, 2000
Health Canada reminds Canadians about the dangers of blind and curtain cords
OTTAWA - Given recent publicity regarding the hidden hazards of blind cords for young children, and actions taken by the industry in both Canada and the United States to address these hazards, Health Canada is reiterating its recommendations to parents and caregivers:
- Never leave curtain and blind cords hanging.
- If a loop is present on the pull cord, cut it immediately. Then cut the cords as short as possible and tie them securely to a hook or cleat out of the reach of children.
- Never place a child in a crib, bed, high chair or playpen near windows, curtains, blind cords, lamps, electrical plugs and extension cords.
- To prevent children from climbing up to reach the curtain or blind cord, never place sofas, chairs, tables, shelves, bookcases or other furniture near windows.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recently found cases where children in cribs became entangled in the inner cords used to raise the slats of blinds. These entrapments occur when a young child pulls on an inner cord and it forms a loop that the child can become entangled in and possibly strangle. Health Canada is unaware of any deaths in Canada of young children in cribs due to this hazard.
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. Free repair kits are available which allow consumers to correct the problem in minutes without removing the blinds. Canadian consumers can call the Children's Safety Association of Canada at 1-888-499-4444 or visit their web site at  www.safekid.org to receive a free repair kit for each set of blinds with cords in the home.
Health Canada supports the industry's actions to improve the safety and safe use of their products. Notwithstanding, Health Canada re-emphasizes the need for parents and caregivers to be vigilant and follow the instructions outlined above to minimize the exposure of young children to these potential strangulation hazards. It is important to remain even more vigilant when visiting other people's homes. There have been cases of children visiting family or friends who became entangled in outer cords and died from strangulation.
Health Canada provides an information bulletin that includes safety tips to help prevent deaths and injuries associated with window covering cords.
For more information, please call your nearest Product Safety Office of Health Canada at:
You may also obtain more information on our web site at:
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Media inquiries:
Lynn LeSage
Health Canada
(613) 941-8189
Public inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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