Unpacking the health risks of dangerous new teen trend 'chuffing'

A dangerous new trend has emerged among young people in South Africa, where they inhale the contents of fire extinguishers.

A video of school pupils "chuffing" has gone viral on social media, showing them basically smoking the extinguisher powder through an improvised tube and blowing out smoke.

This prompted Joburg's Emergency Management Services (EMS) to issue a warning and approach schools offering to educate kids about the dangers of the trend.

The Department of Basic Education issued a similar alert, warning that the practice carries potentially fatal health risks and urging schools to intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers of substance abuse.

RELATED: Officials raise alarm over dangerous teen trend involving fire extinguishers

Gugs Mhulung talks to 702 resident GP Dr Fundile Nyati, CEO of Proactive Health Solutions, about how "chuffing" could affect the body.

Dr Nyati said thst whatever it is you choose to inhale or smoke, follows the same path - through the nose, then through the throat and airways and all the way into the lungs where the gas exchange in our bodies happens.

The substance/s get absorbed into the bloodstream to move quickly through your system, and can reach the brain in just seconds, he says.

While the central nervous and respiratory systems are the primary systems affected, there can be a secondary effect on other systems and organs.

He points out that there are different types of fire extinguishers to tackle different classes of fires, as well as multi-purpose ones used to stop fires from solid combustibles, liquids and gases.

Along with suppressant powder made to starve a fire of oxygen, extinguishers will also contain propellant gases and various additives.

"When you 'smoke' what comes out of a fire extinguisher you are inhaling all three of these, which can have varying consequences, depending on the amount of exposure and the person's own tolerance level. But there is ALWAYS a risk."

Minor exposure could result in mild discomfort like irritation of the nose, thoat and lungs that may also lead to difficulty breathing.

"Inhaling large quantities can coat the lungs, block oxygen from entering the bloodstream, and may cause shortness of breath and/or tightness of the chest. If the person already has a respiratory problem like asthma, their symptoms may be exacerbated."

"If a huge amount is inhaled it can cause chemical pneumonitis, which is inflammation of the airways and lungs. As the substances reach the brain this can lead to seizures or fits with vomiting, which can cause aspiration pneumonia."

When these toxic chemicals enter the bloodstream they can also cause severe metabolic imbalances and serious problems in the function of other organs.

"There may also be critical emergencies as the EMS says, with irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia, kidney failure and even death."

The EMS has also urged parents to exercise strict oversight with their teens, to make sure they stay away from the dangers of "chuffing".

To listen to Dr Fundile Nyati discuss 'chuffin' in conversation with Gugs Mhlungu on 702's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: