A 14-month-old boy from the Gold Coast is in a critical condition after inhaling cake decorating powder while his mother prepared a Bluey-themed birthday cake for a friend's son.
Dustin was at home with his mother, professional baker Katie, on Friday when he accessed a container of gold dust powder commonly used in cake decorating.
Katie immediately called triple-0, and Dustin was rushed to the Children's Hospital in Brisbane.
The toddler has since undergone emergency surgery to clear his lungs, but remains in an induced coma and is unable to breathe on his own.
Family Friend Launches Fundraiser
Family friend Rochelle has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Dustin's family during this difficult time.
"Katie has been making cakes for us since I was pregnant," Rochelle said.
"This weekend, for my beautiful boy's 1st birthday, she had offered to make him a Bluey cake — and sadly, while she was making his cake, her little man Dusty got hold of a 'gold dust powder' and inhaled it."
"When the dust is mixed with water, it turns to paste — so it immediately blocked Dusty's lungs."
"He's had to have surgery already to clear his lungs and is now in an induced coma (like truly WTF!!)."
Doctors Describe Condition as Rare
Doctors have described Dustin's condition as rare and are unable to say how long he will need to remain in hospital.
He is due to undergo another procedure to move a breathing tube from his mouth to his nose, and check his lungs again as doctors continue to monitor his condition.
Dustin's parents, Katie and Chris, are both sole traders and are now facing the uncertainty of being unable to work while staying by his side in Brisbane.
"Ronald McDonald House only have accommodation for them until tomorrow, so now they need to pay for accommodation while also trying to keep up with their mortgage and normal life expenses (they live on the GC and are in hospital in Brisbane)," Rochelle added.
Product Pulled from Shelves
The supplier of the gold dust has since pulled the product from shelves and is contacting stockists following the incident.
The decorative powder is commonly used in cake decorating across Australia.
