DeLauro Calls for Better Consumer Protection Laws

Responds to massive recall of common window coverings

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today released the following statement in reaction to a Consumer Product Safety Commission recall to repair nearly all types of Roman shades and roll-up blinds due to a strangulation risk for young children who could become entangled in the cords.

With approximately eight million Roman shades and roll-up blinds sold every year, this is one of the largest recalls in history. There have been eight confirmed deaths and 16 near strangulations since 2001 involving these types of window coverings. Consumers are being urged to request repair kits to remedy these products.

Congresswoman DeLauro said, "This is another stark reminder of the importance of stronger consumer protection laws. We must strengthen and improve our existing laws, and devise better ways of enforcing them. With millions of these shades and blinds sold every year, the chances of one of these potentially deadly items being in anyone's home is too high. Tragedies like these are preventable, and we can, and must, do better."

Consumers can request the repair kits at windowcoverings.org or by calling 1-800-506-4636. More information is available at: https://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10073.html.