The Dangerous TikTok Trend: Chroming Leaves 12-Year-Old Hospitalized
The Dangerous TikTok Trend: Chroming Leaves 12-Year-Old Boy Cesar Hospitalized
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By Jessica Card
In a distressing incident that highlights the perils of social media challenges, a 12-year-old boy from Doncaster, England, is fighting for his life after participating in a dangerous TikTok trend known as “chroming.”
This trend involves inhaling toxic fumes from household products like deodorant, hairspray, and nail polish remover to achieve a brief high.
Cesar Watson-King, a young boy with a bright future, was introduced to the chroming trend by an older friend. In August, Cesar inhaled from a can of anti-perspirant, which led to a catastrophic series of events. Moments after inhaling the fumes, Cesar collapsed and began having seizures.
His mother, Nichola King, found him on the kitchen floor, his eyes rolling back and his body convulsing. In a desperate attempt to save her son, Nichola performed CPR while his brother called for an ambulance.
Cesar was rushed to the hospital, where he suffered further seizures and went into cardiac arrest. He was placed in a medically induced coma for 48 hours to stabilize his condition.
The medical team worked tirelessly to save him, and after eight days, Cesar was able to walk and talk again. However, his short-term memory remains severely affected, and the long-term consequences of his ordeal are still unknown.
What’s Chroming?
Chroming, also known as huffing or solvent abuse, involves inhaling toxic chemicals from household products like aerosol cans, nail polish remover, and glue to achieve a brief high. This dangerous practice can cause severe health issues, including brain damage, heart problems, and even death.
It is not a new phenomenon, but its resurgence on platforms like TikTok has made it more accessible to impressionable young users.
The chemicals inhaled during chroming act as depressants, affecting the central nervous system and leading to symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, slurred speech, and loss of coordination². Long-term effects can include memory loss, decreased IQ, and severe mental health issues.
Nichola King has shared her son’s harrowing experience to warn other parents and children about the dangers of chroming.
“It’s not worth it,” she said. “It might feel good, but it definitely doesn’t when you’re in the hospital trying to breathe for yourself and the pain you cause to your parents.”
She also emphasized the importance of first aid training for parents, which played a crucial role in saving Cesar’s life.
Cesar’s story is a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking on social media platforms. As parents, educators, and community members, it is crucial to stay informed about these trends and educate children on the risks involved. By fostering open communication and vigilance, we can help prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
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