Pull cords on window blinds strangle a child every month and are considered among the "top five hidden hazards in the home," according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Children can wrap the interior and exterior cords on window coverings around their necks causing death, blindness, brain damage, coma, kidney failure and paralysis, according to Parents for Window Blind Safety, a support and education group. Cord hazards have prompted the CPSC to issue a voluntary recall of 50 million Roman shades, roller and roll-up blinds, vertical and horizontal blinds, the commission reports.

On the Other: Check blinds

The window covering market includes cordless blinds that are safer for children. Window blind companies also sell free repair kits that make blinds safer, according to the Window Covering Safety Council, a coalition of U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings.

Bottom Line

Window coverings with cords, including blinds, are a health hazard and should be replaced in homes with young children or where young children visit, according to the CPSC. The Window Covering Safety Council suggests that homeowners move cribs, furniture and toys away from window cords, keep pull cords out of a child's reach and permanently anchor continuous-loop cords to the floor or wall.

Source:

U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission

Parents for Window Blind Safety

Window Covering Safety Council

More Information:

Window Cord Safety