A doctor has issued a serious warning to parents over the ‘chroming’ trend that’s already caused multiple deaths.
Similar to the likes of ‘huffing’, this social media trend is nowhere near as innocent as dancing to the latest pop hit or showing off a food haul from the shops.
‘Chroming’ involves the inhalation of chemicals from common items, which then affects the central nervous system and gives a short-lived ‘high’, as the brain essentially slows down. And experts warn that simple items around the house such as nail polish, aerosol deodorant, pains, hair spray or permanent pens could be used in this dangerous trend.
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Author and paediatrician Dr Betty Choi explained to CNN: “Most of these products are easy to find in homes and cheap to buy in stores. [Chroming] can become addictive when it’s done over and over again.”
And earlier this year, an 11-year-old boy died ‘immediately’ in Lancaster after apparently trying out the chroming trend.
Tommie-Lee Billington’s mum, Sherri, took to Facebook following his death to warn other parents as she urged them to ‘talk to your children about the consequences of this’.
Choi explained while ‘chroming’ might be a 21st Century trend causing these deaths and hospitalisation of kids, it’s not necessarily a new practice.
“People have been inhaling fumes for centuries,” the doctor said.
"According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, inhalant abuse peaked in the 1990s and was downtrending over the last two decades. But in recent years, experimentation rates among teens have risen again.”
The fatal trend can cause slurred speech, lightheadedness, clumsiness and disinhibition. And professor of emergency medicine and chief of the division of medical toxicology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Dr Anthony Pizon, added that nausea, vomiting, cardiac issues, seizures, muscle weakness, drowsiness or trouble breathing are also possible.
He also warned that sometimes ‘kids that are engaging in this activity are likely at risk of seeking more potent drugs’.
The experts also listed the consequences of repeated chroming which can include: “Poor performance at school, kidney or liver dysfunction, electrolyte disturbances, neuropathy, addiction, brain or heart damage, memory and concentration problems, ulcers, nosebleeds, mental health disorders, and mood changes such as apathy, paranoia or irritability.”
Choi advised parents should approach chroming like ‘other dangers’ with an ongoing conversation over time.
“It can permanently screw up your brain, heart and other organs. Some kids have even died the first time,” she continued, adding that parents should reaffirm their love for their kids during these chats so they ‘feel safe and supported’.
Topics: Drugs, Health, Parenting, UK News, US News, Social Media
Jess Battison