After Effort From Klobuchar and Blumenthal, Window Cord Manufacturers To Revise Safety Standards To Protect Children From Strangulation

Statement

After efforts from Senators Amy Klobuchar and Richard Blumenthal for stronger child safety protections, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) today announced it will develop revised window covering safety standards to address the strangulation risk posed by accessible cords. Nearly every month for the past two decades, a child has died from strangulation by an accessible window covering cord. Last month, the senators sent a letter calling on the WCMA to implement the strongest possible child safety protections and provide the protections families and children deserve.

"Consumers deserve to know that the products they use in their homes are safe for every member of their family," said Klobuchar. "After tragic deaths of too many children, including seven in Minnesota, I am hopeful that the window covering industry will take this opportunity to develop standards that fully eliminate the strangulation threat to children."

"Today's announcement is a meaningful step toward protecting children from the hidden dangers posed by window-covering cords," Blumenthal said. "The tragic incidents we have seen across the country happen quickly and silently--as the young victims are unable to cry out for help. I'm heartened that manufacturers have decided to give these victims a voice by taking action to revise safety standards and prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. These deaths are preventable, and I will continue monitoring these developments to ensure we are doing everything we can to save children's lives."

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