CPSC Recall in 2009: Near Strangulation of Children Prompts Recall of Roman Shades; Sold Exclusively at Pottery Barn Kids

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.This recall involves all sizes and colors of Pottery Barn Kids roman shades with exposed inner cords on the back. Two sewn-in labels are located at the bottom edge of the shade. The smaller label identifies the manufacturer as "pottery barn kids" while the second larger orange, black and white label warns that "Cords and bead chains can loop around child's neck and STRANGLE." Roman shades with a fabric covering over the cords are not being recalled.

Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

Refund

There have been six reports of children becoming entangled in the exposed inner cord on the back of the shade between March 2006 and July 2008. Four children were found with cords entangled around their necks. Scissors were used to release two of these children. Two children were found with red marks around their necks after having freed themselves. No permanent injuries were sustained.

Pottery Barn Kids catalog nationwide and through the firm's Web site at www.potterybarnkids.com from January 2003 through May 2007 for between $30 and $60.

China and Hong Kong