The strangulation deaths of more than 150 children have prompted product safety agencies from Canada, the U.S. and Europe to band together in demanding stronger standards for window blinds.

Roll-up style blinds such as these recently recalled by Ikea have been responsible for the deaths of more than 150 children. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Health Canada, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the European Commission's health and consumer directorate are working with international standards organizations and manufacturers to develop comprehensive international standards for roman-style and roll-up blinds.

It's the first time the three organizations, which represent 29 countries, have worked together on an international safety issue.

Corded window blinds pose a hazard when an infant or young child gets tangled.

Health Canada has recorded 28 deaths and 23 cases of near strangulation since 1986. In the United States since 1999, 120 children have died and 23 choked but survived.

Canada, the U.S. and Europe are calling for more stringent standards for window blinds, such as the one pictured here that was recently recalled by Ikea. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

European cases are more difficult to determine, but in seven European Union member nations there have been six deaths and 90 hospitalizations since 2008.

Window blinds have been subject to numerous product recalls in Canada and the U.S.

Consumer and safety advocates are meeting Thursday with Inez Tenenbaum, the chair of the U.S. Product Safety Commission.

It's expected that an internationally co-ordinated effort will lead to more cost-effective product development, testing and manufacturing.

Canadian regulations not strong enough

Canada currently has regulations in place that restrict the use of cord loops and require warning labels, but according to Health Canada those rules don't address the hazards of roman style and roll-up blinds.

'I believe changes need to be made to further protect children.'—Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

"I believe changes need to be made to further protect children from the dangers posed by these products," stated Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq.

The federal government recently introduced a product safety act that would prohibit the manufacture, importation or sale of window coverings that pose an unreasonable danger to health or safety.

That bill, however, hasn't been passed into law.

Health Canada is urging parents to be vigilant about the risk that blinds present to young children and infants.