CPSC Calls For Mandatory International Safety Standards For Curtains

Washington, DC. The CPSC, the Canadian Ministry of health and the DG SANCO of the European Commission jointly called on manufacturers and standardization organizations to set mandatory international safety standards for curtains.

These three safety agencies come from the United States, Canada and Europe, representing 29 countries. This is the first time these organizations have joined forces to make mandatory safety standards for a specific product, and develop and test products in the global economy, putting children's safety first.

It is reported that children's suffocation or serious injury caused by wire curtains often occurs.

In the United States, CPSC staff survey found that since 1999, 120 deaths and 113 non fatal accidents are related to wire drapes.

Canada's Ministry of health has reported 28 deaths from wire drapes and 23 incidents in 1986.

In 2002, 90 children in seven European countries were rushed to the hospital for injuries caused by wire curtains.

Since 2008, at least 6 people have died from wire curtains in Europe.

Since December 2009, CPSC has recalled tens of millions of curtains from Rome style curtains and retailers selling curtains.

These curtains pose a serious safety hazard for children.

CPSC continues to urge parents and caretakers to ensure that there is no contact rope on the front, side and rear of the curtain.

CPSC also suggested that families with young children should try to use non line drapes.