After dozens of deaths associated with children becoming entangled in or choking on the cords found on window blinds, yet another massive recall is being made.  Millions of Vertical Land and Lewis Hyman blinds are said to be posing danger in those homes where young children have access.  Although there have been no deaths this year that were associated with these cords, the companies must believe the risk is real.

Several lawsuits are currently in front of judges across the country and these two blind makers are finding themselves defandants more often.  The blinds being recalled now cover many years - nearly twenty.  Few, if any, consumers who purchased blinds or for that matter, any other home decor, most likely don’t own blinds that were made in 1992.  Apparently, those made then don’t greatly differ from the ones currently in stores.

In 2006, a four  year old girl was killed after she choked on one of the Vertical Land cords that was too close to the floor.  A major recall was made then;  however, even that one doesn’t appear to be as big as what’s currently being publicized.

Lewis Hyman, Inc., based out of Florida, is recalling its blinds due to the death of a one year old who also died as a result of strangulation.  Apparently he’d reached for it from his crib.  That lawsuit is pending.

Inez Tenenbaum, the new Consumer Product Safety Commission’s director, says the cords pose an imminent risk and urges all parents to return any blinds in their home to the manufacturer for either a refund or for the blinds to be retrofitted.

After so many unnecessary deaths and lawsuits popping up across the country, these tragedies beg the question, “How many more deaths before a common window blind is redesigned to ensure safety?”

The CPSC’s website can be seen here for more information on this and other recalls.