Seizures and respiratory arrest — a new dangerous trend on TikTok

A new dangerous trend is spreading on TikTok: children and teenagers use fire extinguishers, spraying their contents on people and property for videos. A doctor warns that exposure to the substances can cause respiratory irritation, seizures, and respiratory arrest. Fire extinguishers intended for fires are being discharged or disappearing.

A new dangerous trend is spreading on TikTok: children and teenagers use fire extinguishers, spraying their contents on people and property, and posting videos on the social network. The fire extinguishers are taken from buildings and public places where they are installed for emergencies. Dr. Benny Raviv, head of the emergency department at the Zvulun Medical Center of Clalit Health Services, warns that exposure to the substances can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and eyes, coughing, and tearing. In severe or prolonged exposure, seizures, heart rhythm disturbances, and respiratory arrest are possible. The author notes that viewers do not see in the video whether the person was harmed after filming or required medical attention. The problem becomes especially serious when such videos are watched by children and teenagers who may try to repeat what they saw without understanding the consequences. Even those who did not participate in the trend may suffer from exposure to the sprayed substance or from the lack of a fire extinguisher in an emergency.