Female student brain dead after following social media challenge

Australia Esra Haynes, 13, suffered cardiac arrest and brain death after following a challenge by inhaling chemicals to get a quick high.

The incident happened on March 31, when Esra asked to sleep at a friend’s house. Paul and Andrea Haynes, the patient’s parents, could not believe this heartbreaking thing had happened to their family. She was taken to the hospital in an unconscious state and had to use various types of ventilators. Eight days later, doctors announced that Haynes’ brain had suffered irreversible damage, and the family decided to disconnect her from the ventilator.

The 13-year-old girl is one of several Australian teenagers who have died after taking part in the challenge of inhaling household chemicals. In 2019, a 16-year-old boy in New South Wales died after inhaling aerosols. In 2021, a 16-year-old girl in Queensland suffered brain damage after participating in the trend. In 2022, another 16-year-old boy in Victoria died after inhaling deodorant.

In the "chroming" challenge, participants inhale solvents or household chemicals to feel stimulated, sleepy, relaxed, happy, euphoric, or restless. Inhaling chemicals for too long can cause brain damage, internal organs, anger, and psychosis. Many people even use deodorants and insect repellent to participate in the challenge.

According to the Australian Medical Council, household chemicals used to clean houses or deodorize cars act as depressants or relaxants when inhaled, slowing down brain responses. This is why manufacturers recommend opening windows or wearing a mask when using these products.

Esra Haynes in a deep coma in hospital. Photo: Daily Mail — Esra Haynes in a deep coma in hospital. Photo: *Daily Mail*

If household chemicals contain butane or propane, death is often instantaneous, as they cut off the oxygen that is pumped directly to the brain. Symptoms of inhaling too much of the chemical include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, chest tightness, hallucinations, seizures, and coma.

Several supermarkets across Australia have banned deodorant in 2021, following a rise in thefts and concerns about the chroming trend. Following Haynes’ death, the Victorian education department has stepped up efforts to educate the public about the dangers of the challenge. Experts have also spoken out about the dangers of doing it.

On May 23, Esra’s parents called for more action and widespread changes to prevent other families from experiencing the same pain. They want manufacturers of deodorant sprays to change their formulas to make them safer and for CPR to be taught in schools across the country.

Thuc Linh (According to Daily Mail )

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