A 19-year-old girl died after taking a “dusting” challenge in the United States. ‘Dusting’ has become a trend on social media these days.
Arizona teen declared brain dead
According to The Independent, the girl, who hails from Arizona, has been identified as Renna O’Rourke. The girl’s father claimed that her boyfriend ordered an aerosol keyboard cleaner without their knowledge. After inhaling the cleaner, she suffered cardiac arrest. She was kept in the ICU for four days, and later doctors declared her brain dead.
What is ‘Dusting’?
“Dusting” is a viral trend, which is also known as “huffing” or “chroming.” An individual takes a challenge to inhale household cleaners to get high views. Initially, inhaling may give a brief joy, but it can cause heart failure, as per the Cleveland Clinic.
Renna’s mother reportedly said the cleaner is easy to access and kids often look for it. She was pronounced brain dead. She failed to gain consciousness, her mother added.
Family raised alarm over ‘Dusting’
The 19-year-old victim’s family has taken on the task of spreading awareness about the deadly social media trend, ‘dusting.’ Renna’s mother suggested parents keep a check on their kids’ activities and search their rooms so that lives can be saved.
Renna’s father joined campaign against fatal trend
Renna’s parents also started a GoFundMe page to cover medical bills and therapy costs. Renna’s father also added himself to the efforts to raise awareness against the fatal trend.
In a similar case, a boy lost his life in the UK in March 2024 after following people sniffing toxic substances.
