**Family Issues Urgent Warning Over ‘Chroming’ After Tragic Death of Kent Teen**
The heartbroken family of a 13-year-old from Canterbury have spoken out after his untimely death, urging parents and young people to be aware of the lethal risks associated with “chroming” – the inhalation of chemicals from aerosol cans, a trend which appears to be gaining traction among teenagers through social media.
Nicky Lowther was found unconscious in his bedroom by his mother last summer. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Nicky could not be saved and was pronounced dead in hospital on 27 June. When his devastated family later discovered twelve empty aerosol cans amongst his belongings, they realised the teenager had fallen victim to the growing but little-understood trend of inhaling chemical fumes for a fleeting high – a practice some have taken to filming for online platforms.
Chroming, also described by some as ‘huffing’, involves inhaling the fumes from household aerosols such as deodorants or spray paints. Medical professionals and campaigners warn that this behaviour can be deadly even after first use, causing heart failure, organ damage or suffocation.
Nicky’s aunt, Toni Lowther, who lives in Herne Bay, has bravely spoken out in an effort to prevent more families from experiencing similar tragedy. “We didn’t even know what chroming was until it took Nicky from us,” Toni said. “When we got to the hospital, it was already too late. We later learned he’d been inhaling aerosols. Twelve cans were found, but there’s no way of knowing how much he used that day.”
Recounting how Nicky was well-loved within his family and community, Toni remembered her nephew’s sense of humour and compassion. “He was a cheeky chappy, always funny and looking out for other children. At school, he was the one people turned to if they were being picked on,” Toni shared. The loss, she says, is deeply felt, especially among those who knew his protective nature.
The family’s shock was compounded when Toni began researching the trend, discovering online videos – easily accessible to young audiences – demonstrating how to chrome. “I was horrified to find tutorials and clips of teenagers doing this for fun,” she explained. “It’s clear many kids don’t realise how dangerous it is, or that it can kill them the first time they try.”
In light of Nicky’s death, Toni has launched an online campaign to restrict the sale of aerosols to minors, aiming to curb young people’s access to these risky substances. Her petition has already gained more than 5,000 signatures. “What’s hardest is knowing this could have been prevented,” she reflected. “It feels so unreal that he’s gone. The things he’ll never experience: school prom, driving lessons, getting married. But if sharing his story stops even one more young person from making the same mistake, at least some good might come from our pain.”
Toni is encouraging other parents and guardians to speak openly with their children about the dangers of chroming, stressing the importance of not underestimating the influence of social media and peer pressure on today’s youth. “You never think you need to warn your child about using deodorant safely, except for its intended use, but these days, we must have those difficult conversations,” she added.
Medical experts continue to raise concerns about increasing incidences of solvent abuse among teens across the UK, with emergency services reporting a rise in hospital admissions linked to the activity. They warn that while some adolescents may survive the initial high, chroming can trigger fatal heart conditions or asphyxiation without warning.
As the family navigates their grief, they hope Nicky’s story will prompt policymakers, schools, and parents to work together towards better education and protection for young people. The urgent call from the Lowther family serves as a stark reminder: a seemingly harmless household item can change lives forever when misused.
The petition calling for a change in the law around aerosol sales can be signed at [change.org](https://www.change.org/p/implement-a-minimum-age-requirement-for-aerosol-purchases), as Toni and the family campaign to protect other children from experiencing the same fate.