By Bulelwa Hoala
- The DBE and Johannesburg EMS have warned about a dangerous trend of learners inhaling fire extinguisher chemicals (“chuffing”) after a viral video surfaced online.
- Authorities say the practice poses serious health risks, including seizures, brain damage, respiratory failure, and even sudden death, urging parents to educate children.
- Schools have been advised to tighten safety measures and awareness campaigns, while the DBE stresses ongoing collaboration to keep learning environments safe.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) have issued warnings about a dangerous new trend among schoolchildren: inhaling chemical fumes from fire extinguishers.
The alert follows a viral video showing learners taking turns inhaling the contents of a fire extinguisher, which is also known as “chuffing”.
EMS took to X to urge parents to talk to their children about the serious dangers linked to the practice.
The inhalation of these chemicals can pose severe health risks, including:
- Distress
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Respiratory failure
- Sudden death
On Monday, 16 March 2026, the DBE echoed these concerns, calling on parents and guardians to caution children against substance abuse and harmful social media trends.
“Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning and the development of our children. Any activity that threatens the lives or wellbeing of learners undermines this responsibility and will not be tolerated,” the department said in a statement.
The DBE also outlined measures schools should take to prevent such incidents:
- Carrying out random inspections in line with school policies and regulations.
- Monitoring items brought onto school premises.
- Strengthening life-orientation lessons on substance abuse, peer pressure, and risky behaviour.
- Ensuring educators and school management intervene immediately when dangerous behaviour is identified.
- Collaborating with school governing bodies, parents, and local authorities to prevent harmful activities.
Provincial education departments have been urged to step up awareness campaigns to educate learners about the dangers of substance abuse and other risky trends.
The department emphasised that it will continue working closely with schools, parents, and communities to maintain safe, structured, and supportive learning environments for all learners.
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