The alarming re-emergence of dangerous social media trends has once again made headlines, with the “chroming” challenge at the forefront. This reckless activity entails inhaling products such as nail polish remover, deodorants, adhesives, paint thinners, and other household cleaners while live-streaming the act on TikTok.
The main goal of chroming? To achieve a temporary state of chemical intoxication that can be captured on video, which participants then post to gain likes and increase their online visibility in what seems like a contest. While some TikTok users manage to garner millions of views through this reckless behavior, the inherent risks associated with chroming are dire and should not be overlooked. The challenge has already led to tragic outcomes, including the death of an 11-year-old boy in the UK, as reported by the BBC.
The inhalation of these toxic chemicals can lead to unconsciousness, significant brain damage, or even death. Repeated exposure increases the likelihood of permanent brain injury, and addiction to inhaling harmful vapors is a real risk. Disturbingly, many TikTok videos trivialize these dangers, transforming them into laughable memes instead of addressing the serious implications.
Chroming isn’t entirely new; reports of the trend began surfacing as early as spring 2024, primarily involving teenagers aged 10 to 19. Given that the substances used for chroming are easily accessible in most households, it’s a daunting task to prevent this harmful trend from spreading. It’s imperative for parents to discuss the associated dangers with their children before it’s too late.