The trend known as “chroming” has tragically claimed another young life, shining a spotlight on the hidden dangers of this deadly practice among teens. Recently, an Australian family faced an unimaginable loss when they made the heartbreaking choice to take their 13-year-old daughter, Esra Haynes, off life support after she suffered severe brain damage from inhaling spray deodorant. In hopes of saving other families from similar devastation, Esra’s parents are speaking out, raising awareness about this trend and urging both parents and teens to recognize its dangers.
Esra was just like any other 13-year-old girl. She loved sports and was the captain of her school’s netball team, an avid dancer, and a BMX rider with a close-knit group of friends. Her life was tragically cut short during a sleepover at a friend’s house where she experimented with chroming, which led to her falling unconscious and then going into cardiac arrest. Despite being rushed to the hospital and spending a week on life support, her family had to make the gut-wrenching decision to let her go.
A 13-year-old girl, Esra Haynes died in Australia after #chorming at a sleepover.
Esra went into cardiac arrest and was on life support for eight days when doctors said: “her brain was damaged beyond repair”. Her family then decided to turn off the machines.#EsraHaynes pic.twitter.com/ioxkdKSvKP
— Deniride (@Edirined) May 25, 2023
Esra’s family, particularly her sister Imogen, described her as “kind, generous, and always putting others before herself.” Her sudden passing has left an irreplaceable void, especially for her parents, older sister, and two brothers. When they feel emotionally ready, Esra’s family intends to visit her school and hold an assembly, speaking to the students about chroming to emphasize the risks associated with the trend. Her brother Seth shared their mission with one clear message: “We don’t want to lose any more amazing people.”
Understanding Chroming and Its Effects
Chroming is a form of inhalant abuse where users inhale toxic chemicals to experience a temporary high. These substances are typically found in household items, such as aerosol cans, paint, permanent markers, acetone, hairspray, deodorants, lighter fluid, glue, cleaning products, or gasoline. These products often contain nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas.” The term “chroming” originates from the practice of inhaling chrome-based paints, which initially made the trend popular.
The chemicals in these products enter the bloodstream quickly and reach the brain, creating a short-lived euphoric “high.” Users may also experience dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, blurry vision, or even blackouts. Although similar to alcohol’s effects, these feelings typically last only around 45 minutes, which can encourage users to inhale repeatedly to prolong the high.
The Physical Toll of Chroming on the Brain and Body
The substances used in chroming are extremely harmful, especially to the brain, lungs, and heart. Physical symptoms often include headaches, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, users may experience seizures, memory loss, or even die as a result. Long-term consequences include irreversible damage to memory, concentration, and learning abilities, and regular use has been associated with depression and anxiety. Physical damage to organs, such as inflammation and scarring of the heart and lungs, and harm to the bone marrow, can have lifelong consequences. For some, even stopping the practice may not fully reverse these effects.
Doctor Jeremy Hayllar, an expert in substance abuse, highlights that “volatile substances quickly enter the brain and disrupt normal messaging within it,” which can lead to loss of consciousness or vomiting, and sometimes cause progressive damage later on.
Who Is Most At Risk of Chroming?
Chroming has become increasingly popular among teens and young adolescents. They often have easy access to household products containing solvents and chemicals that can be inhaled. Additionally, the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter has indirectly contributed to the trend. Young users often post about new or risky behaviors, and the drive to post “cool” or “daring” content can amplify peer pressure. This environment may make some teens feel they need to try something extreme to gain attention online, not fully understanding the potentially fatal risks.
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The Essential Role of Parents, Teachers, and Mentors
If you are a parent, teacher, or mentor to young adolescents, it’s essential to discuss the dangers of chroming. Tragically, lives are being lost to this dangerous trend. Start by having open conversations about chroming and the serious health consequences associated with it. Educate your teen on the reality of peer pressure and help them find strategies to resist it. Encourage them to come to you with questions or concerns regarding chroming or any other risky behavior they encounter. Providing a safe space for teens to express their thoughts can be crucial, offering them a path to make safer choices and perhaps even save their lives.
Chroming and other high-risk activities pose a real threat to teens across the globe. By raising awareness and fostering open communication, we can take steps to prevent more tragedies and keep more young lives safe.
