After the deaths of three children and the near strangulation of at least seven others, the Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced the recall of 5.5 million window blinds and shades because the cords pose a strangulation hazard. The shades were sold at Target, Ikea, Pottery Barn Kids and other retailers.

We have longed warned parents about the dangers of blind cords in homes with small children including telling caregivers to take the precaution of moving all cribs, beds, furniture, and toys away from windows and window cords.

In one of the three deaths reported by the CPSC, a one-year-old Maine boy strangled on a cord loop that was dangling into his crib. A 13-month old Arkansas boy strangled on the cord on back of a Roman shade and a four-year-old Florida girl strangled on the loop of a vertical blind cord. Seven other children were found in various stages of distress with cords wrapped around their necks but were freed by parents or caregivers.

On all six notices, the CPSC reminds consumers to examine all Roman shades and roll-up blinds in their homes. If looped pull cords, exposed inner cords, or exposed lifting loops are found and children are in the home or visit the home, consider replacing the blinds or shades with products that do not have exposed pull cords or inner cords.

Here are the details of today's recalls. Check the recall notices for photos and refund remedies.

4.8 million Lewis Hyman roll-up blinds and Roman shades
Sold: Roman shades were sold at Target from March 2006 to December 2008. The roll-up blinds were sold at various retailers from January 1999 to December 2003.

245,000 Lutron roller shades
Sold: At Expo Design Centers and specialty dealers nationwide from Jan. 2000 to April 2009.

163,000 Victoria Classics Roman shades
Sold: At Target nationwide from September 2008 through June 2009

120,000 IKEA Roman shades
Sold: At IKEA stores nationwide from August 2006 through June 2008.

85,000 Pottery Barn Kids Roman shades
Sold: Through Pottery Barn Kids catalog and Web site from January 2003 through May 2007.

32,600 Vertical Land blinds and shades

Sold: At Vertical Land stores in Panama City and Pensacola, Fla. from January 1992 through December 2006.

Our take: We are stunned that it has taken so long to recall these products when the hazard of cords on blinds has been well known for many years. Many were sold by major retailers who should have been aware of the dangers before putting them on the shelves. The cost of the delay has been dire indeed.