Pittsburgh doctor explains “chroming,” a dangerous social media trend involving children

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – There’s a social media fad called “chroming” that a doctor in Pittsburgh wants parents to know about.

The new “snort” called “chroming” is a dangerous, re-emerging practice that is on the rise among the youth. “Chroming” uses items you probably have at home and is harmful to children.

“This describes children sniffing every available hydrocarbon they can get their hands on,” said Dr. Anthony Pizon, chief of medical toxicology at UPMC and professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.

We’re talking everything from permanent markers, paint thinners and metallic paints to aerosol deodorants, compressed air dusters and hairspray.

“Children get intoxicated. And the symptoms are typically similar to what you would see with, say, alcohol poisoning. The children are drunk, have an unsteady gait and are sedated,” Pizon said.

He said this practice of inhaling fumes from common household items has been around for decades, but new research suggests trending social media videos may be the reason for its comeback.

“Unfortunately, a lot of kids are exposed to it, especially because of its appeal on TikTok,” Pizon said.

He said short- and long-term “chroming” could pose serious risks.

“Sometimes people take this to the extreme and put the compound in a bag and put the bag over their head and they can obviously suffocate. Some of the compounds they inhale can cause cardiac arrest, which would be very serious. And “Then there are many other side effects that you can see from it: kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, seizures, lung injuries, muscle weakness,” Pizon said.

“It’s not a particularly common thing that causes or leads to hospitalization. But we definitely see children and adults using these substances regularly,” he added.

Pizon said the term “chrome plating” comes from people getting metallic paint on their hands and face after, for example, inhaling metallic paints on a rag.

He said “chroming” and inhaling “whippits,” also known as nitrous oxide, go hand in hand because the products are legal and easy to obtain.

While videos of these two dangerous trends are circulating on social media platforms like TikTok, searching for “chroming,” “whippits,” or “whiptok” on TikTok will direct you to substance use resources and helplines.

Pizon said his advice to parents is to be curious.

“You just have to be as interested in what your kids are doing and aware of what they might have access to in their room. Be aware that these leached compounds may be under their bed. And if parents have these products at home, there is a long list of products to dispose of when they are no longer needed,” he said.

Experts say to watch for frequent nosebleeds or sores in or around the mouth or nose, as well as worsening academic performance or decreased interest in activities.

If you are a parent and have questions or notice signs of a “chroming” overdose, including confusion, numbness, fainting and seizures, call the Pittsburgh Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Specialists are available to you around the clock.