The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Ethan Allen Global, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 163,000 Roman-style shades because they pose a risk of strangulation. Ethan Allen also added its name to the
other retailers joining the voluntary recall announced in Dec. 2009, which recalled more than 50 million Roman-style shades and roll-up blinds.
That recall was prompted because the CPSC reported five deaths and nearly 16 near-strangulations linked to Roman-style shades since 2006, and three deaths linked to roll-up blinds have occurred since 2001. No injuries have been reported in connection with Ethan Allen's Roman-style shades.
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Strangulations in roll-up blinds occur when the lifting loop slides off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material."
Ethan Allen's recall includes, all styles and sizes of Roman shades sold under the Ethan Allen brand name. These custom-ordered, made-to-order shades were sold in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes. The shades have no labels or markings making reference to the Ethan Allen brand.
They were sold at Ethan Allen Design Centers since at least 1999 through December 2009. Most are priced between $400 and $1,000.
Consumers should stop using the recalled Roman shades immediately and contact their local Ethan Allen Design Center for a free repair kit.
For more information contact Ethan Allen toll-free at (888) 339-9398 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, contact the local Ethan Allen Design Center, or visit the firm's web site at www.ethanallen.com
