Headline: Toddler in Induced Coma After Inhaling Cake Decorating Dust
Incident
A 14-month-old boy, Dustin Wildman, remains in an induced coma at Queensland Children's Hospital after inhaling approximately one tablespoon of metallic gold dust intended for cake decorating. The incident took place on Friday while his mother, baker Katie Robinson, was preparing a cake in her Gold Coast studio.
Details
- The toddler opened a drawer, removed the cap from a pot of metallic gold dust with his teeth, and inhaled the powder.
- He immediately began coughing, became increasingly unsettled, and later became unresponsive.
- Paramedics transported him to the hospital, where he underwent surgery to flush out his lungs.
- Hospital laboratory testing of the product revealed it contained zinc and copper; copper was identified as the most damaging component.
- The product label stated it was for removable parts but did not include an ingredient list or information on edibility or toxicity.
- Ms. Robinson stated she had not previously purchased the product and that it was sold alongside edible lustre dusts.
Statements
Katie Robinson called for similar non-edible products to be removed from sale and not associated with food.
She noted the company behind the product had contacted its stockists to stop selling the dust.
“Fine particles entering the airways of toddlers can cause respiratory distress, coughing, and difficulty breathing.”
Dr. Nick Yim, president of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, included such products among other irritants like cinnamon, cigarette smoke, vapes, and chemicals.
Current Status
Dustin Wildman's condition has improved in recent days. He remains in an induced coma.