Overview

• Nicky Lowther, 13, was found unconscious surrounded by aerosol cans at his home in Canterbury, Kent, and later died in hospital in June 2024.
• Chroming, also known as huffing, has gained traction as a dangerous social media trend where teens inhale aerosolized solvents and share videos online.
• Nicky’s aunt, Toni Lowther, has launched a Change.org petition to ban aerosol sales to minors, which has now surpassed 5,000 signatures.
• Health experts warn that chroming poses severe risks, including suffocation, cardiac arrest, and long-term organ and brain damage.
• Families of victims are urging parents to discuss solvent abuse with their children and calling for stricter social media content moderation.