ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, June 25, 1996 TAG: 9606250090
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: Associated Press
Aging plastic miniblinds can cause lead poisoning in young children, the government warned Monday. Responding to pressure, the industry promised to upgrade its products.
``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 miniblinds are imported to the United States from China, Taiwan, Mexico and Indonesia. Lead is added during production to stabilize the plastic in the blinds.
The miniblinds 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 into their mouths, similar to the more widespread exposure to chipped lead paint.
Through scientific 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 consumers replace their plastic miniblinds 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 and should completely replace the leaded blinds by September. They are expected to cost 10 percent to 15 percent more.
Atlanta-based Home Depot announced Monday it would remove all vinyl miniblinds with lead from the shelves of its 449 stores while it awaits the new products.
An industry official said the government action was not necessary, but 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.
``Frankly, what we've done is something that may or may not improve the product's performance,'' he added. ``We're not a big enough industry to fight with the government.''
Health officials say there is no question this action is necessary.
``This is a serious health problem. It deserves that type of response,'' said Patricia Arreola, epidemiology program manager for the Arizona Department of Health's Office of Environmental Health.
The safety commission first heard about the problem last year when Arizona researchers discovered lead poisoning in children whose only significant exposure to lead came from the blinds.
After North Carolina reported similar results this year, the commission began its own investigation, including extensive testing, and came to the same conclusion.
On Monday, the commission was touting its intervention as a government success story.
``With no new regulations and no red tape, we'll still be protecting children while acknowledging that adults and older children should not be at risk,'' said commission Chairman Ann Brown. ``It's good common-sense government, and heaven knows we need that.''
LENGTH: Medium: 71 linesby CNB