A devastating social media trend known as chroming has claimed yet another young life, leaving parents heartbroken and communities in shock. Esra Haynes, a 13-year-old athlete from Australia, tragically passed away after inhaling toxic chemicals, a practice that is growing alarmingly popular among teenagers.
What Is Chroming and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Chroming refers to the inhalation of household chemicals such as aerosol deodorant, paint, hairspray, or permanent markers to achieve a quick high. However, this dangerous activity can lead to cardiac arrest, brain damage, seizures, organ failure, and even sudden death.
Esra’s parents, Andrea and Paul Haynes, appeared on A Current Affair to share their heartbreaking story, warning parents about the dangers lurking in everyday household products.
How Esra Haynes’ Life Was Tragically Cut Short
On March 31, 2023, Esra attended a sleepover at a friend’s house—a typical night for the young athlete who excelled in BMX racing and netball. But what started as innocent fun turned into a fatal mistake. She inhaled aerosol deodorant, immediately went into cardiac arrest, and suffered irreversible brain damage.
Her parents recall receiving the call no parent ever wants to get:
“Come and get your daughter.”
By the time Andrea arrived, paramedics were desperately trying to revive Esra, but the damage had already been done. She spent eight days on life support, but doctors ultimately confirmed that her brain was beyond repair. Her devastated family made the painful decision to say their final goodbyes.
Esra’s father, Paul, emotionally shared:
“We cuddled her until the end.”
A Community Left Shattered
Esra’s siblings, friends, and local sports community were left in mourning. The Montrose Football Netball Club described her as “determined, fun, cheeky, and talented”—a young girl with a bright future tragically taken too soon.
Paul and Andrea admit they had never even heard of chroming until it claimed their daughter’s life. Now, they are on a mission to raise awareness so other parents don’t suffer the same fate.
Parents Urged to Educate Their Children
Since 2009, chroming has been linked to multiple deaths worldwide, particularly among teenagers looking for an easily accessible high. The Haynes family is now advocating for stronger awareness campaigns in schools, communities, and social media to warn young people of the dangers.
Paul Haynes expressed his regret, saying:
“If we had known about chroming, we would have talked about it at the dinner table. We need to educate parents so they can educate their kids before it’s too late.”
The Deadly Effects of Chroming
Health experts warn that chroming can cause:
✅ Seizures & cardiac arrest
✅ Brain damage & coma
✅ Organ failure
✅ Suffocation & sudden sniffing death
These consequences can happen after just one use—as tragically seen in Esra’s case.
A Call to Action for Parents and Schools
Esra’s parents urge all parents to have open conversations with their children about this life-threatening trend.
✔️ Educate kids on the dangers of chroming
✔️ Monitor social media trends
✔️ Create awareness in schools & communities
The heartbreaking loss of Esra Haynes serves as a stark warning—this viral trend is not just a harmless experiment; it is a life-threatening crisis.