Parents warned over dangerous new "chuffing" trend at schools
This is a warning to all parents.
Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has issued an urgent warning to parents regarding a life-threatening new craze hitting local schools.
The alert follows a video making the rounds on social media, which shows a group of learners inhaling dry powder directly from a fire extinguisher.
According to eNCA, the dangerous stunt, known as “chuffing,” is sparking major concern among authorities.
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Officials have made it clear that this is far more than just a schoolyard prank.
The health risks are severe, with EMS warning that the practice can lead to pneumonia, seizures and, in the worst-case scenarios, death.
Emergency services are now calling on parents to have a serious sit-down with their children to explain the real-world dangers of following social media trends like this.
Online comment sections, however, were flooded with speculation that the pupils in the video were actually smoking a vape and pretending to inhale powder from the extinguisher.
Some even blamed hubbly bubblies and vapes for leading to such behaviour.
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“They’re hiding a small vape,” said one user.
“Hubbly bubblies and vapes are the cause,” said another.
“Just watch the video properly. He has a vape in his hand and is acting like they’re smoking it. That firefighter bottle is empty,” another speculated.
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Image: Video screenshot