There is a disturbing trend called “Chromation” gaining popularity on Tiktok, causing concern among doctors and adults who are worried about the serious threat it poses to adolescents and children.
“Chrome” involves inhaling toxic vapors from household items such as nail polish, aerosol deodorants, and markers, similar to practices in the past involving glue inhalation.
A study conducted by researchers from the Cohen Children’s Medical Center analyzed 109 Tiktok videos related to the trend, which collectively garnered 25 million views. The study looked at the content of the videos and information about the creators.
The findings revealed that markers were the most commonly used items for “chrome” in 31% of the videos, followed by spray cleaners (17%) and nail polish (12%). Researchers also found that 39% of the creators were minors and 70% of the videos were memes following the platform’s popular format.
Lead author of the study, Keerti Krishna , expressed particular concern about the accessibility of household items used for “chrome” to children.
Aside from the risk of addiction, doctors warn of potential long-term health consequences such as heart failure, liver damage, and damage to nerve fibers’ protective myelin sheath caused by inhaling toxic vapors.
Inhalation of toxic vapors is likened to the effects of alcohol but with potential short-term variations depending on the substance used. The long-term consequences, however, are more severe and extensive.
Analysts believe the widespread dissemination of this trend on social media platforms normalizes it among young people, leading them to perceive it as a “safer” and socially acceptable alternative to drugs or smoking.
While “chrome” is not a new phenomenon, its rapid spread among young internet users highlights it as a 21st-century problem. Researchers call for stricter moderation of content on social media platforms and stress the importance of educating parents and teachers about the risks associated with this trend and engaging in open dialogues with children.