What is chroming? The deadly social media trend behind a 12-year-old’s cardiac arrest

Social media trends can have serious, and sometimes fatal, consequences. A recent incident in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK, has highlighted the grave dangers associated with one such trend known as "chroming." Here's a detailed overview of the incident involving a 12-year-old boy and explores the dangerous practice of chroming, its popularity among youth, and the associated risks.

Cesar Watson-King, a 12-year-old resident of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, experienced a life-threatening medical emergency linked to the chroming trend. On the day of the incident, Cesar inhaled a can of antiperspirant, which led to his sudden collapse. His mother, Nichola King, who had just finished breastfeeding her youngest child, heard a loud thump and rushed downstairs to investigate.
Upon finding Cesar unconscious, Nichola's eldest son, Kaiden, immediately dialled 999 for emergency assistance. Nichola began performing CPR on Cesar while awaiting the arrival of paramedics. Cesar was transported to the hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma for two days due to experiencing multiple seizures and cardiac arrests. The seriousness of his condition underscores the extreme dangers associated with this trend.

Chroming refers to the practice of inhaling volatile substances to achieve a short-term euphoric effect. The term originally derived from inhaling chrome-based paint, but it now encompasses a range of household and industrial solvents. According to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, common substances used for chroming include:

These substances are inhaled to induce a temporary high, which can have severe health repercussions.

Despite its dangers, chroming has gained traction, particularly among younger individuals. The temporary euphoric effects produced by inhaling these substances make the practice appealing to some. According to the American Addiction Centers, chroming has become increasingly popular among Generation Z, especially those aged 16 to 24. The trend has been amplified by social media platforms, notably TikTok, where videos related to chroming, often tagged as "Whiptok," have garnered millions of views.


Chroming poses significant health risks, including but not limited to:


The popularity of dangerous trends like chroming on social media platforms poses a growing concern. The viral nature of these trends often encourages imitation among young people, leading to increased risk and potential harm.
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