Deadly TikTok Challenge Claims Another Teen in Arizona

Rena O’Rourke, a 19-year-old from Arizona with dreams of singing stardom, died earlier this month after attempting a dangerous TikTok trend known as “dusting.” The challenge, which involves inhaling gases from keyboard cleaning sprays for a fleeting high, led to her collapse, cardiac arrest, and brain death after seven days in a coma. Her organs were donated, offering a glimmer of hope during a senseless tragedy.

What is 'dusting'?

“Dusting,” also known as “chroming” or “huffing,” involves inhaling volatile substances from legal household products like keyboard cleaners, deodorants, hairspray, metallic paints, permanent markers, or even fuel. These gases replace oxygen in the lungs and bloodstream, causing a brief high but posing severe risks like cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, brain damage, or sudden death.

Dr. Anthony Pizon, head of medical toxicology at the University of Pittsburgh, told CNN: “These products are legal and found in every home, but when misused, they can cause immediate, severe harm.” Dr. Betty Choi, a pediatrician, added: “Kids think it’s safe because it’s sold in stores, but some die on their first try.”

Health risks include cardiac arrest, seizures, liver and kidney damage, neuropathy, memory loss, concentration issues, addiction, mood swings, and dissociation. Physical signs include nosebleeds, sores around the mouth or nose, academic decline, or social withdrawal.

“It’s cheap, odorless, and doesn’t show up in drug tests, everything teens look for,” her mother, Dana, told AZ Family. Rena’s parents, unaware she had ordered the spray via a delivery app, now urge others to check their children’s rooms. “Don’t blindly trust them,” Dana said. “It could save their lives.”

CNN reports that 564,000 U.S. youths aged 12-17 used inhalants in 2023, the highest among age groups over 12, per SAMHSA data.

Rena’s father, Aaron, recalls her saying, “I’ll be famous, Dad.” Her death, caused by Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome, fulfilled that wish in the grimmest way. Her family’s crowdfunding effort now raises awareness of the lethal dangers lurking in household cleaners, hoping to spare others their loss.