New standards sought to stem window blind choking

By CHRISTINE SIMMONS Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Consumer safety officials in the U.S., Canada and Europe are calling for better safety standards for window blinds and shades after reports of scores of children strangling on cords.

Government officials asked for stronger standards in a letter this week to four organizations in the U.S. and abroad that help create standards for window coverings.

In the letter, officials from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Health Canada and the European Commission call on the organizations to immediately improve their design standards for all types of corded window coverings.

Consumer and safety advocates are scheduled to discuss window blind standards Thursday with Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.