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What is Chroming and How Dangerous is It?

Published: September 8, 2023 by Isabelle Caskey

When 13-year-old Esra Haynes‘ parents dropped her off at a sleepover on a Friday night, it would be the last time she’d ever speak to them. Within hours, Esra’s heart would stop beating, sending her into cardiac arrest.

Regrettably, a significant number of teenagers, like Esra, will become victims of the social media challenge called “chroming,” placing them at risk of severe, life-threatening health issues or permanent damage.

In this article, we’ll take a look at this social media challenge gone wrong and just how dangerous it is.

What is Chroming?

Chroming involves inhaling aerosol products or other toxic chemicals for the purpose of getting a temporary high.

The most frequently used substances for chroming include:

Spray paint
Household cleaners
Bug spray
Nail polish
Permanent markers
Hairspray
Deodorant
Lighter fuel
Glue

While this is a decades-old fad, it has reemerged due to trending social media challenges, mostly among adolescents seeking a cheap and easily accessible way to experience euphoria or altered sensations.

What is chroming? — *Due to its accessibility, one of the most commonly used substances for chroming is spray paint.*
©ubahnverleih / CC0 – License

Dangerous Side Effects of Chroming

It cannot be stressed enough that chroming offers no medicinal benefits whatsoever. The damage caused by chroming is irreversible.

Because the high usually only lasts for a few minutes, some people continue chroming for hours to maintain the high. Tragically, the first attempt at chroming can result in death.

Short-Term Effects

Once inhaled, substances will enter the bloodstream and reach the central nervous system within seconds. The short-term side effects of chroming will vary depending on the specific substances inhaled.

The most common short-term side effects include:

Dizziness
Euphoria or altered states of consciousness
Loss of motor function
Slurred speech
Hallucinations
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Skin irritation
Nosebleeds
Coughing and shortness of breath

It’s important to emphasize that the intensity of these side effects can vary.

Long-Term Effects

In addition to the short-term side effects, individuals who engage in chroming are always at risk of experiencing long-term and irreversible consequences as well.

The most common long-term side effects include:

Permanent brain damage
Heart failure
Respiratory damage
Bone marrow damage
Lethargy
Loss of smell, taste, and hearing
Muscle tremors
Mood swings and suicidal thoughts
Seizures
Death

Recognizing the Signs of Chroming

It is of utmost importance for parents to be well-informed about the hazardous effects of chroming to proactively prevent unsuspecting individuals, especially children, from participating in this dangerous activity.

Symptoms to watch for may include sudden changes in behavior, impaired coordination, rapid decline in short-term memory, slurred speech, and a chemical smell on their breath.

If you suspect that a loved one has been involved in chroming, it is crucial to seek immediate assistance from a qualified healthcare provider.

How dangerous is chroming? — *Parents should have open and honest conversations with their children about drug use, educating them about the dangers.*
©DimaBerlin/Shutterstock.com

Are There Treatments for Chroming?

Due to the irreversible nature of chroming, medical treatments are limited to managing symptoms and preventing further deterioration. This makes prevention and early intervention all the more critical in addressing the consequences of chroming.

However, if someone has engaged in chroming and is experiencing health issues or complications, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Medical professionals can provide supportive care and can also offer counseling and addiction treatment services to address any underlying substance abuse issues.

Why is Chroming Popular?

Social media platforms have played a significant role in popularizing chroming, especially among adolescents who make up a substantial portion of social media users. This demographic may be particularly susceptible to peer pressure and have a general lack of awareness about the devastating consequences of chroming.

Moreover, the substances used in chroming are readily accessible and can be found in nearly every household, contributing to the ease with which adolescents can engage in this dangerous behavior.

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have community guidelines that discourage glorifying dangerous activities. Users are typically encouraged to report content that violates these guidelines, enabling the platform to take the necessary steps to remove such content.

Nevertheless, social media platforms often face significant challenges in their efforts to effectively police and monitor content.

When trends like chroming go viral, there are often limited options for damage control, as many users have already viewed the content before it can be identified and flagged for removal.