SHOPPERS have been urged to take immediate action as officials issue a recall on over 1.7 million products sold at major retailers.

At least 17 people have fallen ill after defective Midea air conditioning units have caused mold growth, sparking infections and other health issues.

Respiratory infections, at their most severe, can be life-threatening and shoppers must take immediate action if they have a recalled product.

The recall of 1.7 million Midea U and U+ Window Air Conditioners in the US was announced on Thursday.

An additional 45,900 of the faulty products have been sold in Canada.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission shared that all air con units listed in the recall have drainage issues.

“Pooled water in the air conditioners can fail to drain quickly enough, which can lead to mold growth,” the announcement said.

“Mold exposure poses risks of respiratory issues and other infections in some consumers.”

It noted that there have been at least 152 reports of mold growth in the air conditioners with at least 17 people falling ill.

The reported symptoms include respiratory infections, coughing, sneezing, sore throats and allergic reactions as a result of exposure to mold.

The recall is widespread with numerous retailers selling the Midea units both online and in stores under numerous brand names.

These include giants like Costco, Home Depot, Best Buy, Amazon, Lowes, and Walmart.

Brands names which can be found on the units include Comfort Aire, Danby, Mr. Cool, and Perfect Aire.

The affected products were sold in the following cooling power sizes: 8,000, 10,000 and 12,000 BTU.

Even if you have not recently bought a Midea air conditioning unit, the product recall could still affect you.

A full list of the recalled items can be found below.

Consumers who find that they have a recalled unit must contact Midea for either a full or prorated refund or a free repair.

Those wanting a refund will be issued free shipping labels to return the product to Midea.

Or shoppers can submit a photograph showing that they have cut the unplugged power cord of the air con unit, the product safety commission said.

Anyone waiting for their appointment with a Midea technician to fix their air con system should follow instructions found here on how to examine the unit before using it.

Mold exposure poses a bigger threat to those with lung conditions such as asthma and lung disease as well as those with compromised immune systems.

The CDC explains that for most, symptoms include a stuffy nose, wheezing, fatigue, and red or itchy eyes, or skin.

Meanwhile, severe reactions include fever or shortness of breath.

“People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions,” the CDC states.

“Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold.”

While most respiratory infections will resolve on their own, if one is left untreated, especially in individuals suffering from weakened immune systems, it can lead to severe complications.

If you have any health concerns you must contact your medical provider.