Lethal TikTok craze killing kids, dad of tragic teen issues stark warning

Dad holds dead daughter's hand, warns parents about aerosol dangers. Aerosol abuse is a new social media craze. Experts weigh in.

Paul Green, a devastated father, held the hand of his daughter as he told her how much he loved her. Just hours earlier, his 14-year-old daughter, Giorgia, who was autistic and had sensory needs, had been out shopping with her mother, Clare, and had stocked up on her favorite deodorant. When she got home, she sprayed the fragrance around the room - but it proved fatal. She was found dead in her bed, wrapped in a blanket she had covered with the scent.

Now, Giorgia's heartbroken parents are warning other families about the dangers of aerosols as a new craze - dubbed 'chroming' - sweeps social media. 'Chroming' refers to inhaling fumes from a toxic source, which doctors warn can cause loss of consciousness, potentially fatal asphyxiation, and heart attacks.

While Giorgia's death was a tragic accident, her parents are calling on manufacturers to put bigger warning labels on cans to make parents more aware that they can kill, so that more youngsters don't suffer the same fate.

TikTok has been forced to remove a dangerous chroming challenge after it claimed the life of a 13-year-old Australian girl, Esra Haynes, in March this year. Paul expressed concern about this becoming a social media trend because people can die in an instant, which is what's so scary about aerosols.

By law, aerosol deodorants must be printed with a 'keep out of reach of children' warning, but Paul suggests the writing is too small. He wants to make it so no one else in the country - or the world - goes through what they've been through. He doesn't want their daughter's death to be in vain.

Expert Tony D'Agosinto, who trains frontline drugs workers, said youngsters in deprived areas of Britain see solvents as a cheap alternative to cannabis. He said that most of these products can be found around the house or bought cheaply.

Paul and Clare described their teenager as being "full of joy". They recounted how Giorgia's autism meant she had sensory needs and gravitated towards certain textures and smells. They had no idea just how lethal the deodorant could be, as it gave her a sense of comfort when she felt anxious.

An inquest into Giorgia's death ruled the home-schooled teen died from misadventure after inhaling aerosol at her home. Stephen Ream, director of the Re-Solv charity, warned youngsters against 'chroming' and said it's very dangerous.

The British Aerosol Manufacturer's Association said it is carrying out a review of the 'solvent abuse can kill instantly' (SACKI) warning on solvents. Chief executive Patrick Heskins said they are working to ensure that the language used in any warnings best communicates any potential risk in a way which is easily understood.

Paul and Clare's story is a tragic reminder of the dangers of aerosol inhalation, and their efforts to raise awareness and push for change are commendable. Their hope is that no other parent has to experience the heartbreak they have endured. It's a call to action for manufacturers, social media platforms, and parents to come together to prevent further tragedies.