‘Chroming’ kids putting drivers at risk on Brisbane buses, union claims

Brisbane bus drivers say the number of children sniffing toxic chemicals to get high on board is rising and endangering other passengers.

Video obtained by 9News shows a child sniffing paint hidden in his jumper at a bus stop.

A driver, who wished to remain anonymous, told 9News the practice, called “chroming” was happening “most days” somewhere across the network.

He said the behaviour left him “sick” and “head-achy” and “took several days to get over”.

The union is concerned the fumes are affecting drivers and other passengers, and will tomorrow hold urgent talks with Brisbane City Council, which insists there is no risk.

Divisional secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tom Brown said the practice could lead to a “major catastrophe on the road”.

He claims a bus driver who was ordered by a doctor to take a week off work after becoming ill from paint fumes, was initially told to keep working, until the union intervened.

“The doctor sent him home, told him he was basically high as a kite,” Mr Brown said.

The council told 9News there has only been one report of chroming on a Brisbane bus this year.

“There is no safety issue to the driver or other passengers on the bus as a result of this and we've had some medical experts provide advice to that as well,” deputy mayor Adrian Schrinner said.