2 days ago
Parents of teen who died in dangerous TikTok trend highlight dangers of ‘dusting'
Also known as 'chroming' or 'huffing' the activity can make the user feel drunk and euphoric for a couple of minutes but can also be deadly
The parents of a teen who died in a dangerous TikTok trend have highlighted their daughter's story in a bid of warn others of the dangers.
Renna O'Rourke of Arizona died in the social media challenge, known as 'dusting' in which participants sniff computer dusting spray to get high.
Also known as 'chroming' or 'huffing' the activity can make the user feel drunk and euphoric for a couple of minutes but can also be deadly.
Renna O'Rourke as a child
News in 90 Seconds - 7th June
Renna, who always dreamed of being a star, had told her dad 'I'm gonna be famous', died of sudden sniffing death syndrome at age mother Dana O'Rourke described her as 'vivacious and caring and loyal' as she warned of the potential killers in cabinets.
'There's no ID required (to purchase) said Dana. 'It's odourless. 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.'
Dr Randy Weisman who leads the Intensive Care Unit at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center said that in a short amount of time, the damage is done after just one huff and can be irreversible and even deadly.
'She's not the only one that this has happened to. Several other teenagers have succumbed to this same disorder,' said Dr Weisman.
'She spent the next seven days in the ICU. She never regained consciousness,' Dana added. 'We don't have children to bury them.'
Elena Zavalza, programme director with notMYkid, joined Good Morning Arizona with advice for parents around the "chroming" and "dusting" trends.
'This is extremely concerning,' she said. 'When they inhale these chemicals in the gas it will actually replace the oxygen within their lungs and within the rest of their body.'
In a message for parents, Dana said: Don't take your kids' word for it. Dig deep. Search their rooms. Don't trust and that sounds horrible, but it could save their life,' she said.
A GoFundMe has been started to help pay for medical bills and burial expenses.
'On Sunday, June 1 at 1.30pm, our wonderful daughter, after 4 days in the ICU, was pronounced brain dead,' the page reads.
'She was the light in every room she walked into, and the pain that her family and friends feel is simply immeasurable.
We want to use the proceeds of this fundraiser to cover the extensive medical bills, burial costs, therapy costs, and to spread awareness about the dangers of Huffing/Dusting, the practice of inhaling keyboard cleaner or similar.
'We are currently actively working on both a TV news segment and pursuing legislation to help prevent any other families from having to go through this.'
