What Is “Chroming”? Experts Shed Light on This Dangerous Trend AFFECTING TEENAGERS

A disturbing new trend known as “chroming” is endangering the lives of young people, raising serious concerns among medical experts and parents. The practice, which involves inhaling chemical fumes from everyday household products to get high, is gaining traction among teenagers, resulting in hospitalisations, brain damage, and even fatalities.

Highlights:

Chroming is the act of inhaling chemicals from products like metallic paint and deodorants to get high.
Experts warn that the trend is making a deadly comeback among teens.
The practice has led to severe health issues and even deaths in several countries.
Parents and carers are urged to engage with their children about the dangers of chroming.

The Growing Trend of Chroming

Chroming involves inhaling chemicals from products such as permanent markers, aerosol deodorants, and metallic paints, according to Dr. Anthony Pizon, professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. The term “chroming” comes from the shiny, chrome-like residue left on the face after inhaling metallic paint fumes. The practice can be done using rags, plastic bags, or inhaling directly from the product’s container.

Dr. Betty Choi, a paediatrician and author, noted that while inhalant abuse had been on the decline since its peak in the 1990s, chroming is now making a dangerous resurgence among teens. A report from the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlighted that 564,000 American adolescents, aged 12 to 17, used inhalants in 2023, an increase from previous years.

Mental Health and Social Media’s Role

Experts believe there’s often a psychological component to chroming, with many teens seeking to alleviate anxiety, depression, or stress. “There’s often an underlying psychiatric component with these kids,” said Dr. Pizon. The rise of anxiety and mood disorders among young people may be driving them to experiment with risky behaviours like chroming.

Social media platforms such as TikTok have also contributed to the trend. Dr. Choi pointed out that videos promoting inhalant use, such as those under the term “WhipTok,” have spread widely, though platforms like TikTok have started taking action by removing such content and directing users to substance abuse resources.

Health Risks of Chroming

The immediate effects of chroming can resemble alcohol intoxication, including dizziness, slurred speech, and lightheadedness. However, Dr. Pizon warns that chroming can also cause nausea, cardiac issues, seizures, and even death. Repeated use can lead to long-term damage to vital organs like the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver.

There have been several tragic cases of young people dying after a single chroming session. In March 2023, an 11-year-old boy in the UK died after inhaling toxic chemicals during a sleepover, and similar fatalities have been reported in Australia and the United States.

How to Protect Kids from Chroming

Experts recommend that parents talk openly with their children about the dangers of chroming. “The best way to protect your child is to create an open dialogue,” Dr. Choi said. Parents are encouraged to keep harmful products out of reach and monitor their children’s activities online. Being aware of products like metallic paint or deodorants in their rooms, as well as a drop in school performance or social withdrawal, can be early signs of chroming abuse.

As the number of teens engaging in chroming continues to rise, Dr. Pizon stressed the importance of early intervention and professional help if a child develops a dependency on these substances.

By addressing the issue through education and empathy, parents can help protect their children from the potentially fatal consequences of chroming.