Background:
- Why should I be concerned about vinyl mini-blinds? On June 24, 1996, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that vinyl mini-blinds contain
lead and are a potential source of lead poisoning in young children. Most plastic
mini-blinds are manufactured in Mexico or Southeast Asia. For many years these
manufacturers have added lead plastisizers or stabilizers to the plastic used in
the mini-blinds. Continued exposure to sunlight causes this plastic to break down
or "chalk", leaving a fine lead dust on the exposed side of the mini-blind. This dust
has been found to contain very high levels of lead (up to 66,000 ug/ft2, or 1,400
times the EPA allowable limit for dust on floors). The leaded dust can fall onto
windowsills when the blinds are raised, lowered, cleaned or "dusted". Young children
are at risk when they touch the blind itself or the windowsill and then put their
fingers into their mouths.
- Why should I be concerned about vinyl-coated cords? Although CPSC has
never addressed this issue, many cords found on telephones, computers, and other
household appliances are coated with plastic similar to the plastic used for mini-blinds.
One survey conducted by HybriVet Systems found lead in 23 out of 27 cords tested.
After handling the cords for ten (10) seconds the skin on the hands and fingers also
tested positive for lead.
Method: How do I test my vinyl mini-blinds and electrical cords for lead?
- Activate a LeadCheck Swab according to the Instruction Manual.
- Rub the Swab on the side of the mini-blind that faces the window glass, for about 30
seconds, or rub the Swab on the electrical cord for about 30 seconds.
- Examine the Swab tip for a pink to red color. If the tip of the Swab turns pink to
red, the test is positive for a hazardous amount of lead.
Interpretation:
- If my vinyl mini-blinds test positive for lead, what should I do?
Lead containing mini-blinds should be carefully removed from the window, placed in
plastic trash bags and taken out of the house. Wash the window area and floor below
with a detergent solution. Rinse areas thoroughly with clean water. You may test
for the presence of any remaining lead dust with LeadCheck Swabs (see Instructions).
Contact your local health department for instructions on how to safely dispose of the
lead containing vinyl mini-blinds.
- If my electrical cords test positive for lead, what should I do? Unfortunately
there is no easy replacement for lead containing electrical cords. Simply wipe the
cord's surface with damp cleaning cloth or baby wipe from time to time to remove any
lead dust. Do not let children touch the cords.