Vinyl miniblinds pose a risk to children under the age of 6, who may ingest lead by touching the blinds and then putting their fingers in their mouths. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, vinyl miniblinds deteriorate, eventually causing poisonous lead from the vinyl to end up as a chalky dust on the surface of the blinds. Aluminum miniblinds and vinyl vertical blinds are not affected. When selecting a miniblind, choose one that specifies that it's lead-free.

Miniblinds also can be a cause of strangulation when their long cords are within the reach of children. Choose a blind with a breakaway device that reduces the risk of injury. When installing a miniblind, make sure that its cord is safely attached to the window out of a child's reach.