The life-threatening ‘chroming’ challenge TikTok trend, explained

Once again, a dangerous social media trend has reared its head. The so-called “chroming” challenge involves sniffing nail polish remover, deodorants, adhesives, paint thinners, and other cleaning products while filming yourself for TikTok.

The official aim of chroming? To record yourself achieving a brief state of chemical intoxication, then posting the video online as if you’re part of some dubious competition, in the hopes of getting as many likes and expanding your reach as far as possible.

Some TikTokers do end up getting millions of views this way, but chroming has its risks — and they just aren’t worth it. The challenge has already claimed a few lives, including one 11-year-old boy in the UK as reported by the BCC.

Inhalation of toxic substances can result in unconsciousness, brain damage, and even death. Permanent brain damage is likely in cases of regular inhalation, and there’s also the risk of addiction to sniffing certain toxic vapors. The sad thing is that many TikTok videos trivialize these dangers, even turning them into “humorous” memes.

Chroming isn’t entirely new, though. Reports of it were already coming out as early as spring 2024, with typical participants said to be in the 10-to-19-years-old range.

Because the products used for chroming are freely available in households, it’s practically impossible to stop this nonsense. Parents must educate their children about the dangers before it’s too late.

Further reading: Messenger and Instagram get new parental controls