Officials raise alarm over dangerous teen trend involving fire extinguishers

Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) is urging parents to exercise strict oversight on their teens after footage emerged of a group inhaling the contents of a fire extinguisher. 

It says the act known as “chuffing” is a concerning new trend fast gaining momentum among young people. 
 
Joburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the carbon dioxide found in extinguishers can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, seizures and in extreme cases, death.

"A fire extinguisher is a fire safety device which is not designed for human consumption or inhalation. It can cause serious respiratory distress, so we are pleading with our school learners to refrain from smoking or deliberately inhaling the contents of a fire extinguisher."