Chroming, also known as “huffing,” refers to the dangerous practice of inhaling toxic chemicals to achieve a temporary high. It’s typically done using common household products like aerosol sprays, deodorants, or glue.
This risky behavior, which originated in Australia, has become a worrying trend among teenagers, particularly those from Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Why is Chroming Trending on TikTok?
The rise of platforms like TikTok has amplified the spread of dangerous trends, and chroming is no exception. Under the hashtag #WhipTok, which involves the recreational use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), videos showcasing the chroming trend have accumulated over 546.3 million views.
Unfortunately, this social media exposure has led to tragic consequences, with several young lives lost to the deadly fad.
Victims of the Chroming Trend
Esra Haynes: A Tragic Loss
In March 2023, Esra Haynes, a 13-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, tragically lost her life due to chroming. Esra was attending a sleepover when she inhaled aerosol deodorant fumes, which led to a cardiac arrest and irreversible brain damage.
After spending a week in the hospital, she passed away. Her parents, Paul and Andrea Haynes, have since become advocates for raising awareness of the deadly trend, warning other families of its severe consequences.
Paul Haynes, Esra’s father, shared on a TV interview, “Esra would have never done this if she’d known the consequences.” Their tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of social media-fueled challenges.
Other Victims: A Growing Concern
- Sarah Mescall (14): In September 2023, Irish authorities investigated the death of Sarah Mescall, who passed away after attempting the chroming challenge. Sarah reportedly collapsed after inhaling toxic chemicals and never regained consciousness.
- Tommy-lee (11): Another heartbreaking case occurred in March 2024 when 11-year-old Tommy-lee died after inhaling aerosol fumes at a sleepover. His grandmother has since called for TikTok to be banned, hoping to prevent further tragedies.
- Cesar (12): A near-death experience happened to 12-year-old Cesar in the UK. After attempting the chroming challenge, Cesar went into cardiac arrest. While he survived, his mother, Nichola King, shared how her son now suffers from severe memory loss as a result of the incident.
Risks and Consequences of Chroming
Chroming is not just a short-term high, it comes with deadly risks. These include:
- Heart attack
- Seizures
- Suffocation
- Coma
- Permanent organ damage
- Death
Prolonged inhalation of toxic substances can also lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and long-term neurological damage, as reported by the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research.
Why Do Teens Engage in Chroming?
The appeal of chroming among young people is driven by a combination of curiosity, social pressure, and the ease of access to these products. Inhalants are often cheap, legal, and readily available, making them dangerously attractive to teens.
According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), young people are particularly vulnerable to inhalant abuse due to the perceived low risk associated with household items.
Parental Warnings and TikTok’s Response
Several parents, including Mikayla Solomon, have spoken out about the dangers of chroming. After her 12-year-old daughter Tiegan tried the challenge and suffered serious health consequences, Mikayla issued a warning: “Parents need to know the dangers. If you think your child has done this, get them checked.”
TikTok has released a statement condemning such harmful content, claiming that they actively work to remove videos promoting chroming and similar challenges.
However, despite their efforts, the platform continues to face criticism for not doing enough to prevent these trends from spreading.
How to Protect Your Children from Dangerous Trends
Steps parents can take to protect their children from harmful trends like chroming:
- Educate Early: Have open conversations with your children about the dangers of social media challenges and harmful behaviors.
- Monitor Activity: Keep an eye on the apps and platforms your children are using. Use parental control features if necessary.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules about what is acceptable on social media and what isn’t.
- Seek Help: If you suspect your child has engaged in chroming or any other harmful trend, seek medical help immediately.
Conclusion
The chroming trend is yet another reminder of the influence social media has on today’s youth. While platforms like TikTok provide entertainment and connectivity, they can also expose young people to harmful activities.
Parents and guardians must stay informed, have open conversations with teens, and take proactive steps to protect them from dangerous behaviours.
