What is chroming? Viral social media challenge explained as teens die
A Current AffairAustralian teen died after participating in TikTok trend
Chroming is one of the latest trends to take social media by storm – but not for a good reason. Several young teens across the world have reportedly died after participating in the trend. Here’s everything you need to know about what chroming is.
There is a new drug fad that is gaining popularity among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and parents are concerned about it – and for a good reason.
The “chroming” trend on TikTok has taken the lives of several young users after it was spread as a viral trend on the platform.
One of the victims was Esra Haynes, a 13-year-old student from Melbourne, Australia. Esra passed away on 31 March 2023, from chemical exposure while at a sleepover after taking part in the TikTok trend. She reportedly sniffed an aerosol deodorant, which is believed to be what caused her death.
After participating in the activity, Haynes suffered irreparable brain damage and a cardiac arrest, according to The Sun. She was hospitalized for a week before she died.
Haynes’ parents are now warning others of the risks associated with chroming, which has grown popular on social media. Paul Haynes said on the Australian TV show ‘A Current Affair‘: “Esra would’ve never have done this if she’d had known the consequences. That it could take your life.”
“The ripple effect is that this is absolutely devastating, we’ve got no child to bring home,” Andrea Haynes added.
Contents
- What is the chroming challenge on social media?
- What are the risks of chroming?
- Another teen dies as a possible result of TikTok “chroming” challenge
- TikTok responds to death of teen from supposed “chroming” challenge
- 11-year-old boy dies after allegedly attempting “chroming” challenge
- 12-year-old girl hospitalized after allegedly attempting “chroming” challenge
What is the chroming challenge on social media?
The word ‘chroming’ is an informal term that originates from Australia. It refers to the act of inhaling fumes from a toxic source, such as an aerosol can, a spray deodorant, or a paint container.
On TikTok, users engaging in ‘chroming’ post videos under the term ‘WhipTok’, a slang term for the recreational use of nitrous oxide. ‘Whiptok’ has over 546.3 million views on the platform.
According to the National Retail Association in Australia, even if the term “chroming” has expanded, the term first originated from the practice of sniffing chrome-based paint to achieve a high. Some examples of toxic chemicals used are aerosol cans, paint, solvent, permanent markers, nail polish remover, hairspray, deodorants, lighter fluid, glue, cleaning supplies, nitrous oxide, and gasoline.
What are the risks of chroming?
Chroming involves inhaling toxic substances to create a temporary high. It gives a temporary high, similar to the effects of alcohol.
However, the activity can result in deadly side effects. These include heart attack, seizures, suffocation, coma, choking, or fatal injury, and can cause permanent organ damage.
Long-term abuse of the drug can also lead to cognitive impairment, including the inability to concentrate, memory loss, impaired judgment, and a lower IQ, according to the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research.
Another teen dies as a possible result of TikTok “chroming” challenge
In September 2023, another teen died as a possible result of the TikTok “chroming” fad, with Irish authorities investigating the death of 14-year-old Sarah Mescall.
According to reports from the Irish Independent, Mescall passed away on September 25, three days after being admitted to Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin. She reportedly collapsed after allegedly partaking in the “chroming” challenge and woke up at some point to tell her mother what happened before fainting again.
Mescall was then placed into a medically-induced coma and succumbed to her injuries.
TikTok responds to death of teen from supposed “chroming” challenge
TikTok released a statement in response to Mescall’s death. “Content of this nature is prohibited on our platform and would be removed if found,” the statement said.
“We will continue to prioritize protecting and supporting our community, working with expert partners and providing safety resources to those who need them.”
11-year-old boy dies after allegedly attempting “chroming” challenge
On March 6, 2024, it was reported that an 11-year-old boy also died after supposedly trying the “chroming” challenge at a sleepover with friends.
FacebookAuthorities claim they found the boy unresponsive at the scene, and he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The boy’s grandmother spoke out against TikTok in a statement to local news, claiming she wants TikTok banned for good in order to prevent more deaths.
“We want to get TikTok taken down, and no children to be allowed on any social media under 16 years of age,” she claimed. “This is breaking us all, but we want to help save other children’s lives and give families awareness to keep their children safe.”
12-year-old girl hospitalized after allegedly attempting “chroming” challenge
A 37-year-old mom in the United Kingdom is sending out a warning to parents after her 12-year-old daughter, Tiegan, reportedly huffed “five or six cans” of spray-on deodorant with a friend at a sleepover in an attempt at trying the viral “chroming” challenge sweeping social media in April 2024.
The mom, Mikayla Solomon, brought her daughter to the emergency room after she started experiencing worrying symptoms of “dizziness and heart palpitations.”
Although Tiegan was released with a clean bill of health, she began to suffer from even more symptoms like “severe diarrhea, sulfuric burps and a sensation that everything was in slow motion,” as per the New York Post.
Kennedy News & Media / Mikayla SolomonSolomon claimed her daughter threw up for “two weeks straight,” and although they went back to the emergency room for more testing, reports came back negative. Now, Solomon is using her experience to warn other parents about the impact social media can have on their young children.
“Parents need to know the dangers,” Mikayla said. “If you think your child has done this, get them checked. It can cause long-term damage.”
This is not the only dangerous trend that has gone viral on the platform. Although TikTok has taken action to prevent these trends from spreading in some cases. They have also removed hashtags that can help them grow. But it’s not always enough. Here’s a list of some of the most dangerous or controversial trends that have appeared on TikTok.
