Social media trends go viral in a matter of time, and sometimes, they become fatal as well.
In a heartbreaking incident, 19-year-old Renna O’Rourke from Tempe, Arizona, tragically passed away after participating in the dangerous social media trend known as the "dusting" or "chroming" challenge. While copying the trend, Renna O’Rourke went into cardiac arrest. She was immediately rushed to the hospital. She remained unconscious in the ICU for nearly a week before being declared brain-dead. Her cause of death was attributed to sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS).
What is the ‘dusting’ challenge?
The ‘dusting’ challenge involves inhaling compressed air from keyboard cleaning sprays to achieve a brief high, often while being filmed for online content. This challenge gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, where users film themselves inhaling aerosol propellants from products like keyboard cleaning sprays. The appeal lies in the rapid onset of euphoria and the allure of gaining views and attention online.
However, this fleeting high comes with severe health risks. The most immediate danger is sudden sniffing death syndrome, where the heart stops beating shortly after inhalation due to irregular heart rhythms, which is what happened in the case of Renna.
Renna's death highlights the lethal risks associated with such viral trends, which served as some ‘bait’ for the sensationalization of ‘claim to fame’.
What are the potential side effects of the ‘dusting’ challenge?
The 'dusting' challenge, which involves inhaling compressed air from keyboard cleaning sprays to achieve a brief high, poses significant health risks. This practice can lead to both immediate and long-term adverse effects on the body and mind.
Immediate health risks:
Inhalant abuse, including the "dusting" challenge, poses significant health risks, even on first use. The chemicals in these products can cause dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. In the short term, inhaling the chemicals in air dusters can cause:
Euphoria: A temporary feeling of intense pleasure or high.
Dizziness and lightheadedness: Feelings of disorientation or imbalance.
Impaired coordination: Difficulty with motor skills and balance.
Slurred speech: Difficulty articulating words clearly.
Nausea and vomiting: Stomach discomfort leading to vomiting.
Headaches: Pain or discomfort in the head.
Although these effects are typically short-lived, they can be intense and compelling, leading individuals to repeat the behavior.
Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS):
One of the most alarming risks associated with the 'dusting' challenge is Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS). This condition can occur after a single use of inhalants, leading to:
Cardiac arrest: The heart stops beating due to irregular rhythms.
Respiratory failure: The inability to breathe properly, leading to oxygen deprivation.
The chemicals in air dusters can displace oxygen in the lungs and body, leading to organ failure and death. Even a brief exposure can be fatal.
Long-term health consequences:
Prolonged or repeated inhalation can lead to more severe consequences, such as liver and kidney damage, brain damage, hearing loss, and certain types of cancer. Chronic abuse of air dusters can lead to:
Brain damage: Permanent damage to brain cells, resulting in memory loss, learning difficulties, and cognitive impairments.
Nervous system damage: Damage to the peripheral nervous system, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities.
Liver and kidney damage: Impairment of liver and kidney function, potentially leading to organ failure.
Cardiovascular problems: Increased risk of heart arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.
Addiction and dependence: Psychological and physical dependence on the substance, leading to compulsive use and withdrawal symptoms.
These long-term effects can have lasting impacts on an individual's health and quality of life.
Psychological and behavioral effects:
The abuse of air dusters can also lead to:
Cognitive impairment: Difficulty with concentration, attention, and decision-making.
Mental health disorders: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Behavioral changes: Changes in personality, mood swings, and social withdrawal.
Addiction: Cravings and compulsive use, leading to a cycle of abuse and dependence.
These psychological effects can interfere with daily life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
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