Choosing Miniblinds - Consider Your Kids' Safety

Although cheap miniblinds are an attractive choice for home decorators on a budget, it is more important that children stay safe. Imported vinyl mini blinds are often cheaper than miniblinds made domestically, however strict standards may not be in place where these products are manufactured.

In fact the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSA) has determined that some non-glossy miniblinds from China, Mexico, Taiwan and Indonesia could pose a lead poisoning hazard.

Lead is mixed with plastic in the manufacturing process to stabilize it, but exposure to sunlight and heat causes lead dust to gather on the surfaces of the blind. Kids can be exposed to it when they touch the miniblind then put their hands in their mouths.

During testing a number of cheap window blinds had such high levels that a child ingesting dust for only 15-30 days could have toxic levels present in their system. If there is doubt, parents should remove any cheap miniblind that might be affected. Note: washing and vacuuming do not lessen the risk.

Manufacturers have responded to this concern and imports labeled with "nonleaded formula", "no lead added" or a similar designation will be safer for families.

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