A 19-year-old girl from Arizona tragically lost her life after attempting a dangerous social media trend known as the “dusting” challenge, also referred to as “chroming,” reported AZ Family.
Renna O’Rourke, the teen victim, died on Sunday after engaging in the challenge, which involves inhaling compressed air or keyboard cleaning spray to achieve a brief high — a practice that has become alarmingly popular on platforms like TikTok.
What Is the ‘Dusting’ Challenge?
The trend requires participants to inhale the gas from keyboard cleaning sprays while recording themselves to attract more views and followers. While copying the trend, Renna reportedly went into cardiac arrest.
She was rushed to the hospital and remained unconscious for nearly a week before being declared brain dead.
“Heartbroken Parents”
“She always said, ‘I’m gonna be famous, Dad. Just you watch. I’m gonna be famous,’ and unfortunately, this is not under the most optimal of circumstances,” her father, Aaron O’Rourke, told AZ Family.
“There’s no ID required. It’s odorless. It’s everything kids look for. They can afford it, they can get it, and it doesn’t show in mom and dad’s drug test,” her mother Dana added, highlighting the ease with which teens can access such harmful substances.
Now grieving, Renna’s parents are on a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of this viral trend in hopes of preventing similar tragedies.
Why Is This Trend So Dangerous?
Dr. Randy Weisman, head of the Intensive Care Unit at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, described the trend as “extremely concerning”.
“When they inhale these chemicals in the gas it will actually replace the oxygen within their lungs and within the rest of their body,” he explained.
Though it can cause a brief euphoric feeling, the consequences are often irreversible and deadly. “Failure of the liver, heart failure, disease of the lungs,” are among the severe effects, he added.
“She’s not the only one that this has happened to. Several other teenagers have succumbed to this same disorder,” said Dr. Weisman, stressing the broader danger of this ongoing trend.
Stay informed. Stay safe. If you’re a parent, talk to your children. If you’re a teen, your life is worth more than viral likes.