Urgent warning for popular children’s cot

Parents who have bought Mocka cots from Adairs for their children have been urged to check immediately for signs of ‘potentially dangerous mould’.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued an urgent health warning in relation to a popular brand of cot after receiving reports of potentially dangerous mould growing from the bottom.

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 Facebook post on Friday, the ACCC’s Product Safety department urged parents to inspect the Mocka cots immediately, and if mould is found, contact Mocka Australia as soon as possible and report the unsafe product to the ACCC here.

An urgent recall has not been issued by the ACCC as yet.

If you, or someone you know has a Mocka brand cot owned by Adairs and sold online via a number of websites, you should...

Posted by ACCC Consumer Rights on Thursday, April 7, 2022

The ACCC also warned that if children are “showing symptoms of mould exposure like congestion, sneezing, coughing, respiratory distress, allergies or other irritations, please consult a doctor as soon as possible”.

What is mould?

According to NSW Health, mould is a type of fungi that grows both inside and outside.

When mould grows inside, it usually appears in places that are wet or moist and do not have sufficient ventilation such as walls, ceilings and bathroom tiles.

If people are subjected to mould, it has the ability to trigger health issues.

Mould has the potential to grow inside and outside. Image: Getty

What does mould look like?

Frequently, mould appears like ‘fuzz’ or a stain. It could be a range of different colours depending on how long it has been on the surface.

What health issues could mould cause?

Mould could cause nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, respiratory infections and irritation of the eyes.

For those with asthma or allergies, it may make these conditions worse.

You should seek advice from your medical professional if you are exhibiting any of these symptoms.

Mould causes a range of health problems. Image: Getty

How can you prevent mould from growing in your home?

The best ways to prevent mould in your home is to:

• Ensure that your residence is as well-ventilated as possible. Open windows and doors when the weather permits.

• Use a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of condensation and moisture in the air. It is worth noting that some air conditioners could with a dehumidifier setting.

• Turn on exhaust fans when showering, doing laundry or drying clothes.

• Fix plumbing problems and ensure that your gutters are not blocked.

• If water manages to enter your residence, ensure that you clean and dry carpets and other surfaces.

Originally published as Urgent warning for popular children’s cot