University of Wisconsin - Extension

If you live in a home built after 1978, you probably assume you don't have to worry much about your children suffering from lead poisoning. However, if you have vinyl miniblinds, you may still need to worry, says University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension housing specialist, John Merrill.

In 1996, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning that imported miniblinds might contain lead, Merrill explains. Since that time manufacturers have agreed to manufacture products without the lead added. Lead has been found not only in horizontal miniblinds, but also in roll up blinds and vertical blinds.

Lead poisoning is a major environmental health problem for young children. Nearly one out of 11 children under six years of age in the United States has lead poisoning. Lead is particularly a concern in young children because it affects the developing nervous system. Even low-level lead poisoning can reduce intelligence, motor control, hearing and emotional development.

"Lead was used in the blinds to help with color retention and to maintain flexibility," Merrill says. "Unfortunately, when the blinds are exposed to sunlight and heat the vinyl deteriorates and dust containing lead forms on the surface."

In CPSC tests the lead levels varied from one sample to another but the lead level was substantial in many cases. Lead from blinds has been directly linked to some lead poisoning cases.

"In one case a child routinely rubbed his hands down the blinds because he liked the feel and the noise," Merrill says, "He then put his hands in his mouth. The dust can also settle on the window sill area where it can get on hands that contact the window sill."

Once the presence of lead in miniblinds was confirmed, the Window Covering Safety Council, which represents the window covering industry, immediately agreed to reformulate the vinyl used in its products so that it did not contain lead. However, there are still many miniblinds in homes that were installed before the ban and, according to the staff of the Wisconsin Bureau of Environmental Health, some may still be in warehouses and may be offered during sales as 'closeout' items. There was also a recall of blinds in 2000 because blinds from one source were discovered to contain lead when they were not supposed to.

"If you have older vinyl miniblinds in your home and have children less than six years of age," Merrill cautions, "you should check for labels on the blinds that indicate the blinds are lead free."

If you have any question, Merrill recommends that you test the blinds. A home test kit will work for this purpose. Kits are available at hardware stores and home centers. You can also obtain a kit by calling the Wisconsin Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 1-608-266-5817. Once you have the kit, follow the directions and you should quickly be able to determine if there is lead in the blinds.

Washing the blinds will remove existing dust, but the dust will reform so health authorities recommend discarding the blinds and replacing them. When you discard these blinds, first clean them to remove any dust and prevent it from ending up on the floor or window sill, then place them in a sturdy trash bag and tightly fasten the bag and dispose of it with your trash.

If vinyl blinds contain lead, is lead also a problem with vinyl windows and siding?

"According to Wisconsin Public Health officials, there is no evidence of this," Merrill says. "However, if you are concerned you can check for yourself with a home test kit."

If you have questions about lead hazards and lead poisoning, there are a couple of good sources for further information. The National Lead Information Center offers publications and answers. You can contact them by phone at 1-800-424-LEAD or on their web site at http://www.epa.gov/lead. You can also contact your county UW-Extension office to request a copy of "Maintaining Your Home: Lead Paint Hazards," (B3628). This publication is also available from Cooperative Extension Publications at 608-262-3346, or call toll free 877-947-7827 (WIS-PUBS). This and other housing publications can be viewed online at http://www1.uwex.edu/ces/pubs/index.cfm.