Confirmation of Lead in Imported
Vinyl Mini-blinds Raises Fears
(Houston - June 25, 1996)

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that there is hazardous levels of lead in imported, vinyl mini-blinds. Further, they are strongly recommending that the dangerous blinds be immediately removed from homes, apartments, and other dwellings. Health officials in various states have been aware for several months of the presence of the lead. The blinds are readily available in home improvement stores, and may be causing lead poisoning in children. The presence of lead had previously been confirmed by various watchdog health groups, and has been linked to documented cases of lead poisoning.

I first learned about the problem in May, 1996 in an Internet chat group among window treatment retailers," said Jay Steinfeld, founder and president of No Brainer Blinds and Shades, a national mail order company which specializes in inexpensive blinds and shades. "We want to assure our customers that the aluminum blinds we sell contain no lead. We have been told that it is only the vinyl blinds imported from Taiwan, China, and Mexico and found in many of the home improvement centers which need to be avoided. I do not know why people buy those blinds anyway, since you can get a quality, custom aluminum blind for not much more," added Steinfeld.

Young children under the age of six are most susceptible to the poisoning. It can happen either when the blinds are directly chewed, or possibly when the blinds dust, which accumulates as the blinds deteriorate, is touched and then the hand is touched to the mouth.

In North Carolina, Lowes Home Improvement Centers have already taken the blinds off their shelves. In Texas, Home Depot has done the same. This issue is just now receiving the attention of the national media.

For FREE information including:

• Simple steps to protect your family from lead hazards.
• State Health Agency phone numbers and addresses.
• How to get a home lead testing kit.

Jay Steinfeld is the Founder/CEO of No Brainer Blinds and Shades, the leading on-line source for window coverings. It's where buying blinds and shades REALLY IS a no-brainer. Visit the No Brainer Blinds web site at http://www.NoBrainerBlinds.com. Email Jay at jay@NoBrainerBlinds.com or call toll free 1-888-4No-Brainer.