Videos on TikTok are contributing to a resurgence in “chroming,” the dangerous practice of inhaling toxic fumes from household items like markers or nail polish. The study analyzed over 100 TikTok videos, collectively viewed more than 25 million times, and found that more than half referenced repeated use or addiction.
Chroming, also called “huffing,” can cause severe health issues like brain damage or even death. The findings call for increased awareness among parents and pediatricians, as well as stronger efforts by social media platforms to control harmful content.
Key Facts:
- Chroming videos on TikTok have gained over 25 million views.
- More than 50% of the videos referenced repeated use or addiction.
- Chroming involves inhaling toxic fumes, which can lead to brain damage or death.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
A resurgence of youth seeking a high from “chroming” — the act of inhaling toxic fumes from household items such as nail polish or permanent markers—could be due to videos featuring the practice on the popular social media platform, TikTok, according to new research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition.
The abstract, “Chroming Crisis: An Analysis of Chroming Related Content on TikTok,” examines chroming-related content on TikTok in order to educate pediatricians on teen usage. Researchers will present their findings at the Orange County Convention Center during the AAP conference Sept. 27-Oct. 1.
“What is particularly concerning about chroming is that it uses everyday household items that are easily accessible to teens,” said Keerthi Krishna, research assistant at Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center and first author.
“The covert nature of these items means that parents and teachers are less likely to detect the behavior, significantly increasing the risk of repeated usage and addiction among adolescents.”
Chroming, also called “huffing,” typically produces a short euphoric state which creates a high potential for repeated usage and addiction. Inhalant abuse can lead to dizziness, brain damage, and even death.
The authors analyzed 109 videos on chroming that together had gained more than 25 million views. They collected data on: 1) perceived creator gender; 2) video creator age; 3) meme information; 4) item used; 5) repeated usage.
Creator age and repeated usage was either self-reported, or estimated by the coders. A meme was defined as any post that emulates a circulating audio or visual format trend.
Of the videos analyzed, permanent markers (31%, n=34) were the most common chroming item, followed by air duster (17%, n=19), nail polish (12%, n=13), paint thinner (11%, n=12), gasoline (n=12), spray deodorant (n=12), and hair spray (6%, n=7).
More than half of the videos referenced repeated usage or addiction.
The authors conclude that parents and pediatricians need to be aware of this trend and its dangers, and social media companies should do more to prevent the spread of such harmful content.
About this substance abuse and neurodevelopment research news
Author: Lisa Robinson
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Contact: Lisa Robinson – American Academy of Pediatrics
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: The findings will be presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition
