Second Townsville teen dies from chroming

Police say the dangerous practice of chroming is on the rise in Townsville, with two teens dying in just over a week.

A second teenager has died in Townsville from chroming, according to police. Pictured is a file image Source: Getty Images

A second Townsville teen has died from chroming in just over a week, with police warning the dangerous practice is on the rise.

A 17-year-old girl died in Townsville Hospital on Monday night after inhaling fumes from an aerosol can, a practice that produces a high.

She was found unconscious in a car park on November 15, a day after a 13-year-old boy who had been chroming died. He was found unresponsive in a park.

Townsville Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles says chroming is on the rise, particularly among teenagers, and efforts to restrict access to aerosol cans may have to be stepped up.

"We are seeing people on a daily basis partake in this practice," he's told the ABC.

"We've certainly seen a lot more of it, particularly in the younger people."

Shopkeepers can refuse to sell aerosol cans if they believe the buyer is going to participate in chroming.

Police have urged residents who see anyone chroming to immediately report it.