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Accidental Window Cord Strangulation Remains Threat to Toddlers Despite Massive Public Outreach ProgramIndustry Urges Parental Vigilance |
SourceWindow Covering Safety Council
via ForumsHealth, Safety, Nutrition and KidsRelated ArticlesChildren Can Strangle in Window Covering CordsBaby Product Safety Tips: Safety Alert Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
NEW YORK, June 2, 1997 -- The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) today urged parents to check and childproof all window cords in the home. The Council, sponsored by America's major window-covering manufacturers and retailers, was formed to educate consumers about the potential strangulation hazard that looped window cords pose to young children. Today's safety reminder seeks to reinforce the soon-to-be-released article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that reviews accidental cord strangulations in children aged 3 and under since 1981. The window-covering industry began warning consumers of the potential dangers of the accompanying cords in 1985. Since 1994, the industry has sponsored a multimillion-dollar public education campaign and the voluntary elimination of looped cords on most new products. By September 1997, the production of all window treatments will meet the new American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standards. "Parents need to know that any looped cords are a potential hazard," explained WCSC Executive Director Peter Rush. "Although looped cords were eliminated from all two-corded blinds and shades made after 1994, millions remain on windows. If you haven't already cut these loops and attached safety tassels, call our 800 number and we'll send you some free." Since 1995, the Council has given away more than 7 million replacement tassels and tie-down devices and the industry has produced more than 100 million units with the new design. In addition to eliminating with replacement tassels or tie-downs, the Council recommends that all cribs and furniture be moved away from windows, and that cords of any type be tied up and out of a child's reach. The Council's toll-free number for ordering safety tassels, tie-downs or other information on window-cord safety is 800-506-4636. CONTACT: Rebeca Schiller, 212-661-5300, or Barbara Miller, |
