Clare Parents Warned About Lethal Drawstrings

Business & Finance - Consumer

Tuesday, 23 March 2010 14:32

Written by Mark Dunphy

One in ten of all children's clothes that use drawstrings or cords are potentially lethal.

That is the harsh discovery of new research which was carried out across 11 EU countries (including Ireland) and found that these dangerous clothes are in breach of EU safely standards. These garments are especially risky if they become entangled in bicycles, doors, car doors or playground equipment.

According to ECC Consumer expert Caroline Curneen, "Despite EU safety requirements, consumers may still come across non-compliant clothes in shops or in their possession. Long cords and drawstrings can pose a high risk of strangulation to children, and parents, guardians and relatives need to be alert to the potential dangers.  ECC Ireland recommends that parents and caregivers follow the recommendations set down in the report to ensure that their children’s garments do not expose them to serious risk.”

The report recommends that manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers must ensure that cords and drawstrings in children’s clothes comply with existing European safety standards and also the following:
-     Clothes for children up to 7 years (height 1.34 m) should not have cords or drawstrings in the hood and neck area.
-     Clothes for 7 -14 year olds should not have cords longer than 75 mm (7.5 cm) in the hood and neck area or drawstrings with free ends. Cords in the hood and neck area should not be elastic except for shoulder straps and halter necks.
-     Clothes for children should not have cords or drawstrings with free ends longer than 140 mm (14 cm) in the chest and waist area.
-     Halter neck-style children’s clothes should not have loose ends in the hood and neck area.
-     Children’s clothes intended to be tied at the front should not have tied belts or sashes longer than 360mm (36 cm). When measured untied from the point where they are to be tied.
-     If you have bought a garment that does not comply with these basic rules, you can report it to the market surveillance authorities in your country.

For more information click here.