U.S. Warns of Mini-Blind Lead Danger

Aging plastic mini-blinds can cause lead poisoning in young children, the government warned Monday.

“They are throughout the country. You find them everywhere,” said Kathleen Begala, spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Every year, 25 million non-glossy, vinyl mini-blinds are imported into the United States from China, Taiwan, Mexico and Indonesia. Lead is added during production to stabilize the plastic in the blinds.

The mini-blinds in question are the cheapest available, at $5 to $10 per window covering.

Over time, the plastic deteriorates from exposure to sunlight, heat or cold temperatures to form lead dust on the blind’s surface, the commission determined. Children may ingest the lead if they touch the dust and then put their hands to their mouths, similar to the more widespread exposure to chipped lead paint.

Through testing, the commission found that children ingesting lead dust from less than one square inch of a blind each day for 15 to 30 days could end up with dangerously elevated lead levels in blood.

Inhaling or swallowing even tiny amounts of lead can cause brain damage, lifelong learning disabilities and behavioral problems for children under 6. The commission recommends that consumers replace lead-containing plastic mini-blinds if children under age 6 are likely to come into contact with them.

In response to pressure from the commission, manufacturers voluntarily agreed to stop importing blinds that are made with lead. Products labeled “non-leaded” or “new formulation” should be on shelves beginning in July. They are expected to cost 10% to 15% more.

Atlanta-based Home Depot announced Monday that it would remove all vinyl mini-blinds with lead from the shelves of its 449 stores while it awaits the new products.

An industry official said that the government action was not necessary, but that manufacturers wanted to be responsive to government concerns.

“I think the government has taken a relatively insignificant problem and made it into a major issue that is going to increase the cost of the product for all consumers,” said Peter Rush, executive director of the Window Covering Safety Council.

Health officials say there is no question this action is necessary.