Federal government proposes new regulations to help eliminate risk of strangulation from window blind cords

It takes only 15 seconds for a child to become unconscious from being strangled by a window blind cord. Strangulation is often silent.

Since the 1980s, Health Canada has received numerous incident reports related to corded window coverings, and the fatalities continue to occur at an average rate of slightly more than one child per year in Canada.

To help eliminate this hazard, Health Canada is proposing changes to the corded window covering products regulations, which would restrict the length of accessible cords and the size of loops that can be created. A warning would also be required on the product that states that the product should be disposed of if a long cord or large loop is ever exposed. The proposed regulations, published in Canada Gazette, Part I, are now available for comment during the 75-day consultation period.

The federal government encourages Canadians to review the proposed new Regulations and to submit feedback to Health Canada by August 31.

Health Canada says the safest window coverings are ones that have no cords that you can see or touch.

“Corded blinds pose a very real danger to children, but it is a preventable risk,” said Jane Philpott, the Minister of Health. “I am pleased to be introducing these proposed changes to our Corded Window Covering Products Regulations, which will better protect this vulnerable population.”

Health Canada is strongly encouraging parents and caregivers to replace corded window coverings with cordless options, starting with children’s rooms and places where children play. If you cannot make an immediate switch, make sure to always keep cords up high and out of the reach of children and to follow Health Canada’s window covering safety tips.

Quick Facts

• Injuries and fatalities due to corded window coverings have occurred even when children are being supervised.

• A child who is tangled in corded window coverings can be unconsciousness within 15 seconds, and brain damage begins to occur after about four minutes without oxygen. Death can occur in less than six minutes.

• From 1986 to June 2016, Health Canada received 69 reports concerning the strangulation hazard posed by corded window coverings. Of the 69 reports, 40 reported a fatality (35 in Canada; 5 internationally), 22 reported an injury and 7 reported no injury.