Chroming is inhaling fumes from everyday products like aerosol deodorant, hairspray, glue, lighter gas, paint or permanent markers to get a short high. It's also called volatile substance abuse or solvent abuse.

Why is chroming so dangerous?

Inhaled solvents slow down the brain and body. FRANK, the government's drugs advice service, says all methods are potentially fatal, especially in an enclosed space or with a bag over the nose and mouth. It can cause sudden heart failure, sometimes on the first attempt.

What are the signs of chroming?

A chemical smell like petrol, glue or polish on their breath or clothes, a rash or spots around the nose and mouth, household products turning up in odd places, plus mood swings, secrecy and seeming drunk or dizzy.

Who can I call for help with chroming?

FRANK on 0300 123 6600 (or text 82111) for confidential advice, and Re-Solv's helpline on 01785 810762, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. If someone has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call 999.

What is chroming? A calm guide for parents

By Lewis C, checked 1 October 2026. Based on advice from FRANK and Re-Solv.

Quick answer

Chroming means inhaling fumes from things like deodorant, hairspray, glue or lighter gas to get high. It can kill, sometimes the first time, by stopping the heart. The signs are a chemical smell, a rash around the mouth and nose, and products turning up in odd places. If you're worried, talk calmly, and call FRANK on 0300 123 6600. If someone has collapsed, call 999.

What it is

Glues, gases, aerosols and solvents give off fumes that slow down the brain and body, with an effect a bit like being drunk: dizziness, giggling, struggling to think straight, then a bad headache afterwards. The products are already in most homes: aerosol deodorants, hairspray and air freshener, lighter gas refills, glue, some paints, thinners, correction fluid and petrol. That's what makes it hard to spot and easy for kids to try.

Why it's so dangerous

FRANK, the government's drugs advice service, says all methods of use are potentially fatal, and the risk goes up in an enclosed space or with a plastic bag over the nose and mouth. Inhaling can trigger "sudden sniffing death", where the heart fails without warning, and that can happen on someone's first try. A UK child's death has been linked to chroming, and the trend has been pushed in videos on social media.

Signs to look out for

A smell of chemicals, like petrol, glue or furniture polish, on their breath, clothes or room
A rash or spots around the nose and mouth that look different from normal spots
Aerosols, lighter gas or glue turning up where they shouldn't be, or going missing
Seeming drunk, dizzy or confused, with slurred speech
Mood swings, secrecy, sleeping badly, or school going downhill

One sign on its own doesn't mean anything. FRANK points out that kids change for all sorts of reasons.

How to talk about it

Pick a calm moment and leave plenty of time. Keep it general to start with and ask open questions.
Listen more than you talk, and don't accuse. Make it clear they can always come to you.
Don't react in anger and don't be heavy-handed. FRANK says it usually backfires.
Don't go looking for the videos. UK schools have asked parents not to search for dangerous challenges, because every search pushes them to more people.

Where to get help

Emergency: if someone has collapsed, is struggling to breathe or won't wake up, call 999.
FRANK: 0300 123 6600, or text 82111. Free and confidential.
Re-Solv (the UK charity for solvent misuse): 01785 810762, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.