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General News

13 January, 2020

Chroming on the rise with children

Chroming on the rise with children

By Phil Brandel

Chroming on the rise with children - feature photo

Also known as huffing, sniffing or rexing, the term chroming comes from the sniffing of chrome-based paint, but now more broadly refers to the inhalation of volatile substances to get high.

According to a report released from Queensland Health, there has been a 32 per cent surge in patients being admitted for chroming in Queensland.

In 2018/19 there were 98 patients admitted to hospitals for chroming up from 81 in 2017/18 and 74 in 2016/17, some of the hotspots included Cairns and Townsville

A recent national survey of alcohol and drug abuse among school children; found that 18 per cent had tried using inhalants.

Children between the ages of 10 and 19 lead the statistics making up almost half of the admissions in 2018/19

In recent years chroming has caused five deaths, and the toxins that are inhaled have the ability to dissolve brain tissue leading to permanent brain damage.

Hampering police is the fact that chroming isn’t illegal and the easy access of deodorants and other solvents from supermarkets.

Late last year Rexona vowed to change its recipe and labels after a petition was launched.

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said the LNP began calling for a statewide chroming strategy last year.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is failing to protect vulnerable kids,” Ms Bates said.

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates
Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates

“The chroming crisis is out of control in parts of our state, but Labor’s response has been practically non-existent. Our teachers, police and health professionals are doing all they can, but they need far more support to beat this deadly problem.

“Chroming leads to crime, serious health problems and in the worst cases, it can even kill.

Queensland can’t ignore this problem. Our kids need help and we have to give it to them.”

Queensland’s health minister Steven Miles said “Chroming tends to occur in spurts in geographic locations but in terms of our hospital data the numbers have been steady - that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t address it. Ultimately we want to support and help Queenslanders who are undertaking practises that can cause them harm.”

For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015.

If someone is in need of urgent medical help Call 000.

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