Costco recalls home item over dangerous mold
Costco is alerting its customers to double-check their recent purchases as the retail behemoth announces a series of product recalls, some of which pose serious safety risks.
In recent months, Costco has pulled two types of air conditioners from its shelves due to warnings about potential mold growth in certain units. The recall of two Anker power bank models sold through Costco Next is particularly pressing.
Air conditioners from Danby and Midea, also marketed under brands like Frigidaire and Mr. Cool, are included in the recall. These U-shaped window air conditioning units reportedly have inadequate water drainage, creating mold hazards that could lead to respiratory issues.
Owners of these air conditioners are strongly advised to cease using them immediately.
Which air conditioners are being recalled due to mold?
The specific products being recalled include the Midea U-Shape Window AC’s (Item #’s 1572673, 1657921, 1677429, 1768985, 2677450, and 2677429), and the Danby brand AC units, model DAC080B6IWDB-6, sold at Costco between June 10, 2021, and February 2, 2022.
The recall notice indicates that standing water in the unit may cause mold, which can trigger respiratory issues or other infections.
What should you do if you bought an air conditioner that has been recalled?
Customers who purchased this unit should:
- Stop using the affected AC unit right away.
- Reach out to Midea at 1-888-345-0256 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET).
- Go to www.MideaUrecall.expertinquiry.com for recall instructions.
Why is mold so dangerous?
Mold can appear anywhere there’s moisture in the air. It especially loves to set up shop in warm, damp spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and humid rooms, where spores can quickly morph into mold.
When it comes to health and well-being, tackling any signs of mold growth should be priority number one. So, if you spot some, it’s vital to take action right away.
Symptoms of mold exposure
Exposure to mold spores can trigger mild to severe health problems, including:
- Itchy eyes
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Runny noses
- Asthma attacks
How to keep your AC mold-free
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent mold from growing in your air conditioner is to keep it clean. Regular upkeep minimizes the chance of bacteria setting up camp and nips any mold spores in the bud before they can multiply.
It’s also smart to keep the area around your AC unit clean. This reduces the risk of outside dirt and mold particles getting sucked into your system and sparking more growth inside.
Make sure to regularly clear out any buildup from your air conditioner filters – most experts recommend doing this every 30 to 90 days. Also, keep tabs on when your filters are starting to wear thin so you can swap them out for fresh ones.
More info on product recalls
For the latest scoop on product recalls, customers can check out the Product Recalls section on Costco’s official website.
For recalls that aren’t exclusive to Costco, consumers can check out the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, FDA, USDA, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites. All these sites offer searchable recall databases.
