Campaign aims to help consumers pick blinds, shades considered safe for homes with children

WASHINGTON – Trying to figure out which window blinds or shades are safe to buy for homes with young children?

The industry is encouraging companies to send their products to a third-party testing facility to determine whether they should be used in homes with little ones. If so, they’d get a “Certified Best For Kids” label. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Elliot Kaye welcomes the move.

The problem with many blinds and shades has long been the cords used to raise and lower them. They can pose a strangulation risk for young children. Safety officials say about 184 infants and young children died from strangling in window cords between 1996 and 2012.

The campaign by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association would be voluntary.