A grieving mother has issued a powerful plea to other parents after her teenage daughter lost her life to the dangerous practice of chroming.
Brooke Ryan, a 16-year-old from Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, was a bright, talented young woman with immense potential. Known for her academic prowess and athletic achievements, Brooke excelled in basketball, netball, and soccer. Her dreams were vast—she had aspirations of becoming a lawyer, physiotherapist, or beautician, showcasing her determination and ambition.
However, this promising life came to a heartbreaking end when Brooke was discovered unresponsive in her bedroom by her mother, Anne Ryan, in February 2022. The devastating incident has left Anne determined to raise awareness about chroming, a dangerous trend that has claimed her beloved daughter’s life.
A Devastating Discovery
Anne recalls the horrifying moment she found her daughter. Brooke was lying unresponsive in her room, with a tea towel and a can of deodorant nearby. At the time, Anne had never even heard of chroming—a term used to describe the inhalation of volatile substances or solvents, such as aerosols, for recreational purposes.
In an emotional interview, Anne opened up about Brooke’s struggles, particularly the anxiety she faced during the pandemic. Despite these challenges, Anne emphasized that her daughter was on the right path. “She’d done some hard yards but knew she needed help. She was getting the support she needed to live the life she wanted,” Anne shared.
What Is Chroming?
Chroming, also known as huffing or sniffing, involves inhaling chemical vapors to achieve a brief high. It is particularly common among adolescents and young adults. However, this seemingly harmless trend is fraught with risks, including severe damage to the brain, respiratory system, and central nervous system, as well as the potential for fatal outcomes like sudden sniffing death syndrome.
Anne believes her daughter’s passing was caused by sudden sniffing death syndrome, a condition that occurs when inhalant abuse triggers cardiac arrest or heart failure. Although rare, this outcome is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with chroming.
Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For
Anne is now urging other parents to stay vigilant for the subtle signs that their child may be engaging in chroming. These warning signs include:
- Frequent headaches or an increased use of headache medications.
- Excessive use of deodorants or aerosols, beyond typical hygiene needs.
- Chemical odors lingering in bedrooms or on clothing.
- Unusual white patches or residues on towels, fabrics, or surfaces.
By recognizing these red flags early, Anne hopes other parents can intervene before it’s too late.
A Call for Change
In addition to raising awareness, Anne is advocating for better labeling on aerosol cans to highlight their potential dangers. She also believes schools should incorporate education about chroming into their curriculums to help prevent more tragedies.
“Are we keeping up with the 21st century?” Anne asked. “Children are finding new methods to cope with their feelings, and we need to address these risks head-on.”
Remembering Brooke
Brooke Ryan was more than just a bright student and talented athlete; she was a compassionate and kind-hearted individual who touched the lives of many. Her mother described her as a “beautiful girl with a heart of gold” and emphasized how deeply missed she is by her family and friends.
“She would be devastated to know the negative impact her death has had on so many people,” Anne said.
Brooke leaves behind her mother, her father Deon, three older brothers, her boyfriend, and a wide circle of friends who continue to mourn her loss.
Anne hopes that by sharing Brooke’s story, she can prevent other families from experiencing the same unimaginable pain. Her message is clear: the dangers of chroming are real, and awareness is the first step in stopping this silent epidemic.