A disturbing new trend, known as “chroming,” has been gaining popularity among teenagers, and it has already claimed the lives of several children. Chroming involves inhaling dangerous chemicals from everyday household products like aerosol deodorants, hair sprays, nail polish, and paints in pursuit of a quick high. This highly addictive and dangerous behavior, similar to “huffing,” is spreading, leaving devastating consequences in its wake.
The alarming reality is that these products are easy to find at home and cheap to buy, making them readily accessible to teens. As Dr. Betty Choi, a pediatrician, warns, “Chroming can become addictive when it’s done over and over again.” While the term “chroming” originates from inhaling chrome-based products, the practice can involve a wide range of toxic substances. In recent months, multiple children have been hospitalized or died due to chroming, leaving families heartbroken and parents speaking out in hopes of preventing more tragedies.
What makes this issue even more concerning is that it isn’t a new problem. Inhalant abuse, whether through whippets or other chemicals, has been around for years. Though inhalant use had been declining for two decades, the trend is now rising again among teens, according to recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The number of adolescents experimenting with inhalants in the U.S. rose last year to 564,000, a sharp increase from previous years.
The rise of social media platforms like TikTok has also contributed to this resurgence. Dark corners of the internet, like “WhipTok,” have previously hosted content encouraging the use of whippets and chroming. While TikTok has taken steps to remove harmful content and promote resources for substance abuse, the danger persists.
Parents, the consequences of chroming are serious and potentially fatal. Inhaling these chemicals can lead to slurred speech, hallucinations, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Even more alarming, it can cause heart attacks, seizures, suffocation, and damage to critical organs such as the brain, lungs, and heart. The National Institute of Health reports that “sudden sniffing death syndrome” can occur after just one use.
Experts like Dr. Anthony Pizon, a toxicology professor, explain that many teens who turn to chroming are struggling with underlying mental health issues, using it as a way to escape or self-medicate. As mental health challenges among teens increase, so too does the risk of them experimenting with dangerous substances like inhalants. Dr. Pizon warns that kids engaging in chroming may be at risk of seeking even more potent drugs in the future.
Listen to “If you don’t get it by now, you are F’ed! Free Speech is GONE!” on Spreaker.
As parents, it is crucial to take action. Start by removing or securing items in your home that could be used for chroming, such as aerosol sprays and chemical-based products. Consider limiting your child’s access to social media or monitoring their online activity for dangerous content. These steps could help prevent your child from being exposed to or influenced by harmful trends.
Most importantly, have an open and ongoing conversation with your children about the dangers of chroming and inhalant use. As Dr. Choi emphasizes, parents should approach these discussions like other safety conversations—regular, honest, and supportive. Explain the serious risks, including permanent damage to the brain and organs, and the fact that some kids have tragically died from chroming after just one time. Show them you care and want to keep them safe.
By taking preventive measures and talking to your kids, you can help protect them from the deadly consequences of this alarming trend. Chroming is not just another fad—it’s a life-threatening practice that could leave a family devastated. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
I want to know what you think!
Send me your views, thoughts or what’s on your mind and we will feature on our newsletter or show!
Email to [email protected] OR
Leave a text, voice note or voicemail for the show on what your thoughts are at 708-982-0974
Connect with me on Spreely Social CLICK HERE to Check out Spreely Social
And don’t forget to watch us LIVE weekdays at 1p est! CLICK HERE to Watch The Rants of Izzo Show!
-Izzo
