Overview
- Dusty Wildman, who had his breathing tube removed Thursday, is now on high-flow nasal oxygen and breathing unaided as doctors report cautious short-term progress.
- The 14-month-old inhaled metallic lustre dust at home, the particles mixed with moisture into a paste that coated his airways, and surgeons flushed his lungs before placing him in an induced coma.
- Laboratory testing identified copper and zinc compounds in the product, which was sold as non-edible and labeled “for use on removable parts,” and the supplier has withdrawn it and told stockists to destroy remaining stock.
- Clinicians warn he could have lasting lung damage and may need ongoing inhalers or asthma-type therapy as he grows.
- Community donors have raised more than $50,000 for the family, and Kidsafe Queensland urges carers to audit reachable items and call the 24/7 poisons hotline for urgent advice.