Grandmother of 11-year-old boy who died ‘immediately’ after doing ‘chroming’ vows to battle trend

The grandmother of the 11-year-old boy who died ‘immediately’ after doing ‘chroming’ has promised to battle against the dangerous trend.

Young boy Tommie-Lee Billington was found unresponsive at a friend's house in Lancaster over the weekend.

It is understood that Tommie-Lee was chroming, which is also known as huffing or sniffing.

What happened?

Lancashire Police was called to the scene by North West Ambulance Service shortly after 12pm on Saturday. The boy was transferred to hospital but was later pronounced dead.

“Emergency services attended an address and found an 11-year-old boy unresponsive. Sadly he was later pronounced dead," a Lancashire Police spokesperson said.

"The death is currently being treated as unexplained and the coroner has been informed.

"A police investigation is ongoing and the boy's family are being supported by officers. Our thoughts are with the boy’s loved ones at this incredibly sad time. If anyone has any information they are asked to contact police."

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The boy's grandmother, Tina Burns, has since vowed to battle the deadly social media craze.

"Never felt pain like this. Tommie-lee Gracie Billington my whirlwind, I just love you so much mate. My baby boy - you will forever be in my heart," she said.

"I will make sure to the best of my ability that your name and your beautiful face will become the reason that other children's lives will be saved and other families don't have to suffer this deep, deep hurt."

What is chroming?

Chroming involves the inhalation of toxic chemicals such as paint, solvent, aerosol cans, cleaning products or petrol.

This affects the central nervous system and results in a brief 'high' as the brain slows down.

The so-called trend has allegedly been going round on social media - but it can have fatal consequences.

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What are the dangers of chroming?

Of course, the biggest danger of chroming is death.

The trend can lead to side effects such as slurred speech, dizziness, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting and disorientation.

In more severe cases, chroming can also cause heart attacks, seizures and suffocation, as well as permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

According to Dr. Anthony F. Pizon, Chief of Medical Toxicology of UPMC, death can be caused through:

Asphyxiation

Cardiac arrest

Choking

Coma

Convulsions or seizures

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Fatal injury

Suffocation