Various Ikea blinds are being recalled because they pose a strangulation hazard for children. (Consumer Products Safety Commission)

Nearly two million blinds and shades sold at Ikea stores over the past decade are being recalled because of a risk of strangulation.

Three types of blinds are affected by the recall.

Roller blinds that don't have a prefitted tension device and all roman and roll-up blinds should not be used, according to a joint statement from Health Canada and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

In all three cases, a freestanding cord loop can lead to the strangulation of a child if the head is placed between the blind and the cord.

The blinds came under scrutiny in 2008 when a one-year-old girl in Greenwich, Conn., died after getting caught in the inner cord of a set of Ikea roman blinds over her playpen.

At around the same time in Bristol, Conn., a two-year-old girl became entangled in the beaded-chain loop of a set of blinds. An older brother saved her, but her neck was deeply bruised.

The most recent case happened in February when a one-year-old in Lowell, Mass., became entangled in a set of roman blinds and nearly died.

The blinds in question were manufactured in India, Estonia, China and Poland, and retail for between $5 and $55.

Consumers using the recalled blinds is asked to take them down immediately and return them to any Ikea store for a full refund.