Renna O’Rourke dreamed of celebrity. At 19, this young tiktofer from Arizona was led to a viral trend called “Dusting”, which consists in inhaling dusting spray intended for the cleaning of computer keyboards. On June 1, after four days of intensive care, she was declared in brain death. A drama that once again revives alerts on dangerous challenges relayed on social networks.
“Dusting”, a trivialized practice but with devastating effects
“”This type of aerosol contains very toxic propellants, hilarious gas derivatives“Explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek.”They cause a very short euphoria, but the risks are major, from the first inhalation“The young woman probably thought of having fun or earning views. She lost her life there.
For adolescents, these products seem harmless. Easy to buy, inexpensive, they are invisible during conventional screening tests. “”That’s all children are looking for. They can afford it, they can get it, and it cannot be seen in the daddy’s drug test and mom “ deplores Renna’s mother, quoted by the media Az Family.
Dr. Kierzek insists on the violence of the effects. “The inhalation of these gases can destroy the myelin sheath which protects the nerves, a bit like in multiple sclerosis. This causes sometimes irreversible neurological disorders“. He also evokes severe cardiovascular complications.”Simple hypoxia can trigger cardiac arrest. Prolonged inhalation, even unique, can cause fatal pulmonary edema “.
On the psychiatric level, the drifts are just as serious. “”In young regular consumers, anxious disorders are observed, severe depressions, even psychoses“But these very real consequences are invisible in Tiktok videos which embellish the practice.
What to do in case of poisoning or gas consumption?
First help can make the difference. “If the person is in respiratory or unconscious distress, it is a vital emergency. You must immediately call for help for resuscitation care“Explains Dr. Kierzek. He specifies that”Vitamin B12 injection can limit certain neurological damage “ But only if it intervenes early enough. Brain MRI is often essential to assess lesions.
The management must also be global. “Psychiatric support is essential, especially if consumption was regular or addictive. Some sequelae will never disappear“He insists.
Renna’s family, for its part, tries to transform pain into a fight. A GoFundme kitty was launched to finance burial costs.
His parents also want to produce a documentary to alert other young people. “”She always said: ‘I’m going to become famous, dad. Look at. I will become famous’, and unfortunately, it is not in the best conditions “ says Aaron O’Rourke, the young woman’s father. His mother goes further. “”Do not believe your children on word. Search well. Search their rooms. Do not trust them, it may seem horrible, but it could save their lives. “
Why it is imperative to get out of trivialization
The dusted use of dusting gas is not a new phenomenon. But social networks have accelerated its dissemination.
“”A single inhalation may be enough to kill. It is not a game. It is not a challenge. It is not reversible“Warn Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
He recalls that aerosol cartridges are absolutely not designed for internal use. Their pressure, their extreme temperature and chemical components can cause internal burns, respiratory channels and exposure to very toxic solvents. “”The most dangerous is this illusion of lightness. However, these products are real poisons ” he concludes.
For those who suspect a relative to indulge in it, it is essential to act quickly. Talk about it, alert, report the Tiktok videos that trivialize practice, and call devices like Drugs Info Service (0800 23 13) to be accompanied.
What should people who consume or witness consumption by a third party?
- In an emergency, notify the emergency services (15 or 112);
- Faced with disturbing symptoms occurring after the inhalation of nitrogen oxide, contact your anti -poison center;
- Declare any serious case linked to abuse, dependence or diverted use with nitrogen oxide on the signaling.gouv.fr site;
- In case of difficulty in controlling and/or stopping your consumption in a context of diverted use, consult a doctor or a structure specializing in the management of addictions, such as a “young consumers’ consultation” which offers a service, free and confidential, reception, listening, advice and, if necessary, an orientation. All information is available on: www.drogues-info-service.fr.
Source: ANSM