Vinyl window blinds

CPSC Recall #00-122 — June 7, 2000

Recall Summary

Recall Number00-122
Recall DateJune 7, 2000
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 87,000
Manufactured InThailand

Where It Was Sold

Ace Hardware and other hardware stores nationwide sold the window blinds from August 1999 through May 2000 for between $6 and $27.

Product

Vinyl window blinds

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ace Hardware Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill., is recalling about 87,000 vinyl window blinds. These blinds contain lead exceeding government guidelines, and do not have required labeling warning they contain lead. Over time, vinyl deteriorates from exposure to sunlight and heat, forming lead dust on the surface of the blind. Young children can ingest lead by wiping their hands on the blinds and then putting their hands in their mouths. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation. CPSC and Ace Hardware are not aware of any lead poisonings involving these window blinds. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of lead poisonings. The recalled vinyl blinds are white miniblinds and woodgrain roll- up blinds. Sizes of the blinds range from 23-inches wide by 42-inches long to 72-inches wide by 120-inches long. Writing on the label of the white miniblinds reads "Safe Nonleaded Vinyl Formulation." Writing on the label of both blinds reads "MANUFACTURED IN THAILAND FOR ACE HARDWARE CORP." Ace Hardware and other hardware stores nationwide sold the window blinds from August 1999 through May 2000 for between $6 and $27. Consumers should remove the window blinds from windows and keep them away from children. Consumers can return the window blinds to the store where they were purchased for a refund. For more information, call Ace Hardware Corp. toll-free at (877) 223-4391 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

Hazard

These blinds contain lead exceeding government guidelines, and do not have required labeling warning they contain lead. Over time, vinyl deteriorates from exposure to sunlight and heat, forming lead dust on the surface of the blind. Young children can ingest lead by wiping their hands on the blinds and then putting their hands in their mouths. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Ace Hardware are not aware of any lead poisonings involving these window blinds.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should remove the window blinds from windows and keep them away from children. Consumers can return the window blinds to the store where they were purchased for a refund. For more information, call Ace Hardware Corp. toll-free at (877) 223-4391 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.