Our Nicky, 13, died from dangerous ‘chroming’ trend – he was found surrounded by 12 aerosol cans in his bedroom
THE family of a "cheeky chappy" teen who tragically died surrounded by 12 aerosol cans is warning others of the deadly 'chroming' social media trend.
Nicky Lowther was discovered unconscious by his mum at his home in Canterbury, Kent, on June 27th last year.
Despite desperate attempts to save the 13-year-old, Nicky sadly died in hospital.
His devastated aunt Toni Lowther rushed to hospital where she discovered Nicky had been inhaling aerosols before his death.
The practice - also known as 'huffing' - has become increasingly popular with teenagers, with some even filming themselves taking part in the trend and sharing the videos on social media.
Toni, a bar supervisor, had never heard of the social media craze before, which she described as "shocking" and "dangerous".
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The 35-year-old mum-of-two is urging parents to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of 'chroming' in light of her nephew's death.
Toni, who lives in Herne Bay, Kent: "By the time we got to the hospital, Nicky had already passed away.
"We found out he'd been inhaling aerosols but I didn't know the severity of it.
"We don't know how many he inhaled that day, but I think 12 cans were found in his bedroom. No one knows if he'd used them that day.
"There's no safe way of inhaling aerosols. It's dangerous.
"My daughter is only four months younger than Nicky and they went to the same playschool. I used to have him for sleepovers as a little child.
"To us, he was just a cheeky chappy. He had a dark sense of humour, he was really funny.
"We were close. We always did things as a family. We learned a lot when we went to the school after and learned just how kind and caring he was.
"People looked up to him and if anything was getting picked on, he was the one they would go to. At school he was the one that looked out for everyone."
Toni later learned about social media crazes involving inhaling aerosol cans and is urging parents to have open and honest conversations with their kids about the trend.
Toni said: "I'd never heard of [chroming] before. I heard afterwards about people doing it and dying or making it through the other side.
What are the health risks of chroming?
CHROMING refers to inhaling chemical-based products, including permanent markers, aerosol deodorant, nail polish, metallic paint, paint thinners, and hair spray.
Inhaling is done either via the nose or mouth, directly from the container or from a rag or plastic bag with the product on it.
Different solvents can have different effects. They could make you feel:
- Excited
- Euphoric
- Relaxed
- Nauseous
- Confused
- Dizzy
Chroming can also cause:
- Lack of coordination
- Irritation to the eyes/nose or throat, including possible sores
- Headaches
- An increased chance of risk-taking
Like many other drugs, chroming can become addictive.
Long-term effects of inhaling solvents on a regular basis include:
- Damage to the liver, kidney and brain
- Muscle damage
- Memory loss and an inability to concentrate
- Irritability
- Tremors
- Loss of smell and taste
- Increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders and challenges with other drugs
The risk of serious harm, suffocation, and Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome is increased if:
- Chroming happens in an enclosed space
- A plastic bag is used to cover the mouth and nose
- A butane cigarette lighter refill is inhaled from directly
- The solvent is sprayed directly into the mouth
- Some solvents, such as poppers, are swallowed
If someone passes out or falls asleep and you can’t wake them up after chroming, put them in the recovery position and get help fast by calling 999, telling emergency services what you know.
With You, a charity that offers free, confidential support to people in England and Scotland who have challenges with drugs, alcohol or mental health, offers a local service finder if you're looking to get help.
"I was shocked. I've been told there's even videos on social media about 'how to do it'.
"Kids need to understand how dangerous it is.
"I would never think I would need to have a conversation with my daughter about how to use deodorant safely, other than putting it under your armpits."
Toni has since launched an online petition to stop the sale of aerosols to young people to prevent future deaths, which has received more than 5,000 signatures.
Toni said: "[Nicky's death] was so preventable, which is the hardest part. It's the things he's never going to do like leaving school, prom, passing his driving test, getting married and having kids.
"It just still doesn't seem like reality. It still feels so raw.
"Anyone can buy aerosols currently, which is insane. It's happening all the time. I felt like I needed to do something.
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"Nicky couldn't be saved but hopefully his story can save other children from doing it."
To sign the petition, click here.