Consumers with questions are urged to review the product ingredient declarations for further information. In 1996, we lost our blind innocence when we found that mini blinds may contain lead. That year, the Consumer Products Safety Commission tested imported mini blinds and made this discovery. Apparently, lead stabilizes the plastic in these blinds. When the blinds become hot from the sun, the lead dislodges itself in the form of potentially harmful dust.
Many new blinds are lead free, but ask questions and check the labels.
In any event, be careful with older blinds in you house, especially if you have smaller children. At issue were perhaps 25 million non-glossy vinyl blinds made in China, Mexico, and Indonesia. Also in 1996, the Consumer Products Safety Commission released the results of study which indicated that public playground equipment sometimes contains peeling lead paint. Playgrounds were tested in 13 cities, and many contained peeling lead paid on their equipment. Reports from other cities indicated that the problem is not uncommon.