___50____ deaths occur each year due to window blind cords
Since 1991, CPSC has received reports of 174 strangulation deaths involving cords and chains on window coverings. 152 deaths involved the outer-pull cords, which raise and lower the blind. 22 deaths involved the inner-cords, which run through the window blind slats.

Outer-pull cord deaths typically involve children ranging in age from 8-months to 6-years. Inner-cord deaths typically involve children ranging in age from 9-months to 17-months who are placed in cribs or playpens located within reach of window coverings. In all cases, the children became inadvertently entangled and died from strangulation.

In recent years, window-covering manufacturers have produced redesigned products to reduce cord hazards. These redesigns have reduced the opportunity to create hazardous loops in the cords or chains. The redesigns have also featured permanently attached tie-down anchors and built-in cord stops.

It is important to note: although redesigned newer window coverings and repaired older window coverings reduce the risk of strangulation - they have not fully eliminated the hazard. Long dangling window cords and chains still pose a strangulation hazard for young children. Consumers should never tie window blind cords or chains together because the knot creates a new loop, which could cause a young child to become entangled.

window blind safety
Basic Cord Safety
Children and window cords don't mix. When window cords are accessible to small children, these seemingly harmless products may become strangulation hazards.

This is especially important with older window coverings that may not meet the latest national standard for windowcord safety.

The Window Covering Safety Council urges you to check all areas of your home for potential window cord hazards. Replace or retrofit blinds, shades and draperies purchased before 2001 with today's safer products.

And remember to always follow these basic window-cord safety rules:



Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.


Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short, that continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall, and that cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords.




Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.


Consider installing cordless window coverings in children's bedrooms and play areas.



Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with today's safer products or retrofit them with cord- retrofit devices.

To report any potential product-related hazards, consumers should call the CPSC Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is 800-638-8270.