Joburg teens risk their lives with alarming “chuffing” trend

A viral moment that’s raising real fear

It started like many viral moments do, a short, shocking clip shared across social media. But this time, it wasn’t just reckless fun.

In the now widely circulated video, a group of Johannesburg school learners are seen passing around a red fire extinguisher, inhaling its contents and exhaling clouds of powder as if it were harmless. The act, now being dubbed “chuffing,” is the latest trend to grip parts of Gauteng and it’s leaving parents, teachers, and emergency officials deeply обеспокоed.

What might look like a bizarre stunt is, in reality, a dangerous experiment with toxic chemicals.

What exactly is “chuffing”?

“Chuffing” refers to the act of inhaling substances from a fire extinguisher either dry chemical powder or carbon dioxide to achieve a fleeting high or sensation.

But unlike other risky teen trends, this one carries immediate and severe health risks. Fire extinguishers are designed to suppress flames, not to be breathed into human lungs.

According to Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi, the trend is not only reckless it can be fatal.

He warns that inhaling these substances can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, seizures, and even death. And it’s not just the chemicals themselves the high-pressure discharge from extinguishers can cause physical injuries, while improper handling could result in explosions.

A familiar pattern: social media dares gone too far

For many South Africans, this trend feels uncomfortably familiar. From dangerous TikTok challenges to risky dares in schoolyards, young people often find themselves caught between curiosity and peer pressure.

The difference here is the accessibility. Fire extinguishers are commonly found in schools, malls, taxis, and office buildings making this trend dangerously easy to replicate.

On local social media, reactions have ranged from outrage to disbelief. Some users are calling for stricter school supervision, while others are urging parents to have more open conversations at home.

There’s also growing frustration that safety equipment meant to save lives is being misused in ways that could cost them.

Why this trend is especially dangerous

Unlike substances typically associated with inhalant abuse, fire extinguisher contents are not designed for any level of human exposure.

Dry chemical extinguishers often contain fine powders that can irritate or damage the lungs, while CO₂ extinguishers displace oxygen meaning a person can unknowingly suffocate.

Even a single inhalation can trigger a medical emergency. Repeated exposure only increases the risk.

In short: this is not a harmless experiment. It’s playing with life-threatening consequences.

What authorities are urging parents and schools to do

Emergency services in Johannesburg are now calling for urgent intervention not just from authorities, but from families and educators.

Mulaudzi is urging parents to keep a closer eye on their children’s activities, especially what they’re exposed to online. More importantly, he stresses the need for honest conversations about the real dangers behind viral trends.

The City of Johannesburg has also made resources available through its BeSafe Centres, which are located across all seven regions. These centres offer community education programmes focused on fire safety and the proper use of equipment like extinguishers.

Schools, too, are being encouraged to bring in public education officers to speak directly to learners meeting them where they are, before misinformation does.

A wake-up call for Joburg

This isn’t just another fleeting trend. It’s a reminder of how quickly curiosity can turn into crisis especially in a digital age where dangerous ideas spread faster than warnings.

For Johannesburg, the “chuffing” phenomenon is less about shock value and more about prevention. It’s about stepping in early, speaking up loudly, and making sure young people understand that not everything trending online is worth trying.

Because sometimes, what looks like smoke and laughter on a screen can end in silence.