Chroming, a new dangerous TikTok trend, is gaining popularity among Generation Z. This challenge is a variation of the long-standing practice of inhaling toxic chemicals or “huffing.”  There are many possible negative effects for kids participating in this social media challenge including death.

In this SmartSocial guide, parents will learn about the dangers associated with the chroming challenge, gain insights into why it's appealing to teens, and how parents can effectively communicate with their children about the serious repercussions of participating in such online trends.

What is the Chroming Challenge?

• Chroming is a dangerous trending challenge on TikTok where individuals inhale the toxic fumes from an aerosol can, chrome based paint, organically active compounds, volatile organic compounds, or nail polish remover in order to obtain a euphoric state (Source: Dexerto)
• “Chroming” is a new term for "huffing," which has been a dangerous trend for a long time (Source: Parade)
• Challengers record themselves inhaling spray paint or toxic chemicals and post the video to TikTok using the hashtag #WhipTok”or #chroming

Parent and Educator Video Lesson

The Chroming Challenge in the News

Chroming, also known as ‘huffing’ involves inhaling the fumes from cleaning products or toxic substances to get high. Inhaling these toxic chemicals can affect the nervous system, leading to slurred speech, dizziness and even death. - KPLC 7

Inhaled chemicals are absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream through the lungs and are quickly distributed to the brain and other organs. Within seconds of inhalation, the user experiences intoxication along with other effects similar to those produced by alcohol - People

Top Concerns of the Chroming Challenge

• Immediate effects of aerosol or metallic inhalants are generally temporary and may include symptoms of mumbling, hallucinations, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
• Prolonged usage of toxic substances, or a chroming overdose, can lead to severe health complications resulting in permanent damage to organs, including a decrease in brain activity, cardiac arrest, life support, and even death
• Students may be attracted to chroming because they can get an immediate short-term high without having to ingest hard drugs
• This social media challenge is a form of substance abuse and can become addictive

What can parents & educators do?

• Contact 911 or your local poison control if you are concerned someone has been involved in chroming
• Dialogue with your student about peer pressure on social media and the harmful effects of social media challenges
• Know which chemicals in your house can be dangerous or used as recreational drugs and be aware of the warning signs when they are inhaled

Conclusion

Various forms of chroming have been around for a long time, but it has recently resurfaced on social media in the form of a challenge. Students may be influenced by their peers or social media to participate in the chroming challenge. Parents and adults should be vigilant in talking to their children about drug abuse and peer pressure on social media and know the warning signs to look for in chroming.

More Resources for Parents, Students, & Educators

To learn more about other social media challenges that students may be exposed to, view our resource: Social Media Challenges: What Students, Parents, & Educators Need to Know

For a full list of social media challenges, review the list of Dangerous Social Media Challenges