Woolies branches to lock away aerosol deodorants to prevent 'substance abuse'
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Woolworths is going to put a popular bathroom item behind a lock and key in several of its stores across the country in an effort to fight a persistent problem — the potentially hazardous practice of "chroming".
Chroming is a type of particularly dangerous substance abuse that involves inhaling solvents or other household chemicals to get high. It is also known as huffing, sniffing, or rexing.
The term "chroming" originated from the practice of sniffing chrome-based paint, but today it refers to the inhalation of volatile chemicals that act as depressant medications.
The risk of lasting brain damage increases with extensive and regular use, so every time someone chromes, their life is in danger.
Woolworths is locking away aerosol deodorants from numerous stores to combat teen inhalant usage. Credit: ABC/Woolworths.
The alarming frequency with which young people in some cities in Australia steal aerosol deodorants to use for chroming has prompted Woolworths to move the products into locked cabinets in the hopes of preventing theft and unauthorised use.
The decision to take this action was made by Woolworths when it was revealed that numerous people in Australia have died as a result of chroming, including a 16-year-old girl from NSW who was discovered dead in her bedroom with a deodorant spray can and a tea towel below her.
It is not the first time that supermarkets in Australia have been required to put all aerosol deodorants behind locked doors.
The previous year, both Woolworths and Coles put a stop to the sale of aerosols when it was found that children as young as seven were openly sniffing the substances in the mining town of Mount Isa, which is located in the state of Queensland.
Woolworths' plan to keep aerosol deodorants out of sight has been welcomed by several business owners who have long noticed both adults and children chroming in plain sight around the CBD.
People of all ages engage in chroming, but according to the wellbeing support service CAREinMIND, this type of solvent abuse is especially common among young people and teenagers because "many chemicals used for chroming can be purchased as over-the-counter household goods."
Woolworths expects to have secure deodorant cabinets in the health and beauty aisles of its stores by the end of May, and customers who intend to purchase these products must notify a team member by pressing a button on the side of the cabinet.
For free and private assistance regarding alcohol and other drugs, dial 1800 250 015 to reach the National Alcohol and Other Drug Helpline. Dial 000 if you or someone you know requires urgent medical assistance.