U.S. recalls 800 million window blinds on strangulation hazard

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall to repair 800 million window blinds with inner cords that can be pulled loose and pose a strangulation hazard to small children, the agency said.

Sixteen children have died since 1991 when they became entangled in loose inner cords that are woven through the blinds to keep the slats together, according to the agency. About 85 million window blinds are sold each year, according to the CPSC. The recall ``cuts across the entire industry,'' said CPSC spokesman Ken Giles.