TikTok fashion They are especially dangerous because their main target audience is usually teenagers. At this age, peer pressure often forces us to do things we wouldn’t do as adults. In the past, this was the reason why many people started smoking. But social media has brought us a much wider range of bad habits in the form of problems. One of the most dangerous, about which many pediatricians around the world express concern, is “Chrome plating”
This task consists of inhaling toxic fumes from everyday productsHow nail polishes, markers or deodorants. This is not something new. We’ve all heard about drug addiction, down to the tip of the markers. The problem is that it has now become an issue and this is forcing many young people to jump on the bandwagon.
From September 27 to October 27 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibitionin which the pediatrician Rachel Kim will present his research on Chrome plating on TikTok. He analyzed 109 videos from this social network and found that they are serious reasons for this dangerous habit. He therefore calls on those responsible for the app to more harshly prosecute and punish such videos. They have already cost the lives of some teenagers, and the situation may continue to get worse.
What is chrome plating?
Chrome plating is a viral TikTok challenge that involves inhaling everyday toxic fumes until you get… state of euphoria which is sometimes even accompanied by hallucinations. Teenagers often try this in groups, at parties and get-togethers of friends. They then upload the video to TikTok and encourage other kids to do the same.
This feeling of euphoria can be caused by substances such as nitrous oxide. Actually, there is another task called “Whippits”which involves inhaling nitrous oxide cartridges used to inflate balloons. They are legal to sell and fairly easy to obtain, making it much easier to find a high with other drugs. However, this level is dangerous.
Anyway, back to chroming: it’s not dangerous just because of the nitrous oxide. Most products inhaled when contaminated also contain toluene, a toxic substance in relatively small quantities. It has a high affinity for lipids, which allows it to overcome the barrier that surrounds and protects brain. Moreover, when it is metabolized, it turns into substances that cause a decrease in potassium levels. As a consequence, there are muscle spasms and arrhythmias.
On the other hand, toluene acts as central nervous system depressant. However, unlike other substances with this effect, it causes the hallucinations that chrome plating is so eager to achieve.
More dangers
Toluene and other substances in chemical vapors can cause significant brain damage. This initially manifests itself through dizziness or difficulty concentrating. However, given that its habitual consumption generates addiction, In the long term it may happen cognitive impairment important. Even in this case, it is enough to complete the task just once to death if a lot of vapor is inhaled.
Teens killed by Croming
Over the past two years, at least two teenage deaths have been reported due to this TikTok challenge. The first was a 13-year-old girl who died in Australia after inhaling a bottle of deodorant during an overnight stay.
A year later, an 11-year-old boy died in the city. United Kingdom for the same reason at a pajama party.
Relatives of both teenagers have warned parents of other children to be aware of the content they follow on social media. And something as innocent as TikTok can cause death.
Be careful with markers
In her study, Rachel Kim analyzed 109 videoswhich at the time of publication had 25 million views. Thus, he saw that the items most commonly used for chrome plating were permanent markers (31%), followed by compressed air sprayers (17%) and nail polishes (12%).
These are all products that you usually have at home. daily. Therefore, if teenagers inhale them, it may go unnoticed by their families. It is important to pay attention to them, talk to them and explain the risks of this TikTok challenge.
But, logically, it would be best for these videos to disappear once and for all from the social network. While this is happening, let’s not forget the importance of communication.
Source: Hiper Textual
