Venetian Blinds and Toddlers, Child Safety Article
Many of us choose Venetian Blinds to adorn our otherwise bare windows for many reasons. They are relatively less expensive than cloth window treatments. They can be easily adjusted to an array of angles to let sun in or keep it out. Unlike their fabric counterparts they can also dangerous to your young ones.
Since 1991, due to a large public awareness campaign, many of us are aware of the dangers that hanging cords can pose. Over 175* young children have become entangled in the strings and have tragically died due to strangulation. If you own venetian blinds, check to make sure the cord is not in your child’s reach.
If you have a single cord in a shape of a loop, cut the line in the center, creating two separate strings. This will also help prevent accidental strangulation. Many newer blinds come with “breakaway” cords or cords already shortened. Check with the manufacturer to see if your blinds are child safe.
Now that your blinds are “child friendly” make certain that you keep them clean! Although dusting is often a chore that can fall by the wayside, think about this fact: dust that settles on some venetian blinds (usually the inexpensive ones containing PVC plastics) after prolonged exposure to sun and heat can start releasing lead dust over time. This doesn’t appear to be an issue with newer blinds. This dust can get in the air and be inhaled by your child. This is especially a concern when dealing with children under the age of 6 years of age. If you have older blinds and suspect lead dust, promptly remove your blinds, place them in a sealed container such as a plastic bag and vacuum or mop the surrounding floors. You may also want to have your child tested for lead exposure. Lead exposure in young children can cause learning disabilities, hyperactivity and behavioral problems. To learn more about the effects lead can have on your children visit www.fda.gov For more information on PVC plastics visit http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/media/factsheets/poisonplastictext.htm
*U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
By, Tianne Pearson
