Wondering why Coles Express Myer Center and other Coles stores, along with several other retailers across Brisbane, have locked away their aerosol deodorants? The move to put these products behind glass in a locked display cabinet is meant to thwart chroming incidents among youths.
What is chroming?
Chroming is a form of substance abuse involving the inhalation of solvents such as deodorants and other household products. Such practice is more prevalent among young people and teenagers, primarily because these abused products are easily accessible and can be purchased over the counter.
Chroming can be addictive, pose long-term effects and can even be fatal. In 2019-20, 115 people were admitted in hospitals due to chroming compared to 98 in 2018-19; 63 of those were aged 19 and below compared to 45 from prior period.
Currently, chroming is not an illegal practice in Queensland.
Last year, Woolworths and Coles stepped up to help reduce the prevalence of inhalant abuse among youth in the Northern Territory by storing away their deodorant spray under lock and key. Since then, customers need to ask for assistance from a sales staff if they wish to buy the product.
And now, Brisbane businesses are following suit. A Coles Express Myer Center customer took notice and shared to social media a photo of aerosol deodorants inside a locked glass display cabinet.
Coles explained their decision is their way of helping minimise the misuse of aerosol products which causes harm, particularly to young people. They justified the move by citing the Northern Territory supermarkets’ decision to lock away aerosol deodorants which resulted in a dramatic reduction of chroming.
For support services concerning alcohol and other drug abuse call 1800 177 833. For emergency medical assistance call triple zero (000).