ACCC issues urgent warning regarding popular children’s cot

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued an urgent health warning in relation to a popular brand of children’s cot. The warning comes after it received reports of potentially dangerous mould growing from the bottom of the cot.

The ACCC’s action follows reports from parents who have purchased a Mocka branded cot owned by Adairs and sold online through a number of websites.

In a post on Facebook on April 8, the ACCC’s Product Safety department advised parents to check the Mocka children’s cot immediately.

“If mould is found, stop using the cot immediately and contact Mocka Australia as well as the ACCC,” the post says.

Parents can report the unsafe children’s cot to the ACCC via its website.

A recall of the product has not been issued by the ACCC, as yet.

What is mould?

According to Queensland Health, mould is a type of fungi. It can grow indoors and outdoors.

When it grows indoors, mould appears in places that are wet or moist, and that don’t have proper ventilation. You can see mould when it discolours walls, ceilings and other surfaces like bathroom tiles. If you can’t see it, mould is often present where there is a musty, unpleasant odour.

Breathing in, eating, drinking or touching mould can cause health problems. This is especially for people who have asthma, sensitivities or allergies.

Health issues include coughing and sneezing, congestion of the nose, eye irritation and respiratory infection.

If you or your children are showing any of these symptoms, you should speak with a health professional.

Preventing mould growth at home

The best way to control mould growth is to reduce the amount of moisture in your home.

Do this by:

  • opening all the doors and windows to dry out the area as quickly as possible
  • using fans to help speed up the drying process
  • disposing of any item/s that have been wet for two or more days and can’t be easily cleaned (mattresses, carpets, leather goods and ceiling insulation)
  • turning on exhaust fans when showering, washing clothes or using a drier
  • getting plumbing problems, such leaks and blocks, fixed.

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By Angela Sutherland
After spending many years hustling stories on busy editorial desks around the world, Angela is now mum of two little ones and owner/editor at Kids on the Coast / Kids in the City. She is an atrocious cook and loves cutting shapes to 90s dance music. Angela is the editor of Kids on the Coast - a free family magazine whats on guide for Kids: things to do, school holiday fun and free activities for kids... Fun attractions, family food & travel, kids health & wellbeing, kids parties venues, parenting, pregnancy & babies, guide for parents. Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids things to do with kids, schools and education and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

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