Poop Spray Trends On TikTok. Causes $55K In Damages To High School

In an unusual incident in South Carolina, poop spray made quite the impression at West Florence High School. A 32-year-old teaching assistant, Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, allegedly unleashed this foul air freshener multiple times between August 25 and September 19, resulting in significant damage, distress, and his subsequent arrest, as reported by Minyvonne Burke for NBC News.

Teaching Assistant Arrested For Allegedly Using Poop Spray In High School

This odorous escapade left many students requiring medical attention for respiratory issues and caused approximately $55,000 in damages to the school’s air conditioning system. For his antics, Lewis faced charges of disturbing the peace and malicious injury, according to a news release from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. The motivation behind Lewis’s actions remains unclear, but it seems that transforming the school into a stinky environment was certainly not part of his job description.

The Viral Sensation of Poop Spray on Social Media

If you’re curious about how to replicate this notorious act, you can easily purchase poop sprays online. However, it’s crucial to understand that these products differ significantly from those designed to mask unpleasant odors in bathrooms. Instead, these particular sprays are intended to leave a lingering stench reminiscent of, well, excrement.

Social media is rife with videos of individuals wielding these sprays to contaminate elevators, cars, homes, and other venues. The apparent thrill stems from witnessing the shocked and repulsed reactions of unsuspecting bystanders—an aspect many find amusing. Yet, as vividly illustrated by the aforementioned South Carolina incident, such antics can lead to serious repercussions.

The Perils of Using Poop Spray

The dangers associated with poop sprays may not be as overt as other viral social media trends I’ve previously explored in Forbes, like intentionally dropping heavy objects on your feet, eating dirt, or public urination. However, the potential risks can still be hidden beneath the surface.

An intense foul odor can be extremely distressing and unpleasant. The olfactory system, responsible for processing smells, is tightly interconnected with the brain. Consequently, various scents can significantly affect mood and feelings. Therefore, the introduction of a disgusting smell could lead to considerable stress and discomfort.

Moreover, the ingredient composition of these poop sprays remains largely unknown, as they do not receive endorsements from authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The unknown chemicals could irritate respiratory pathways, eyes, skin, and other sensitive areas. In the case of the South Carolina high school, inhaling such substances resulted in breathing difficulties, exacerbated asthma symptoms, and necessitated medical attention.

Allergic reactions also pose a substantial risk, with symptoms ranging from mild irritation and rashes to severe anaphylactic reactions. The fun of pulling off a prank could swiftly turn tragic if someone ends up in need of emergency medical care.

Additionally, long-term effects of exposure to these sprays remain largely unexplored. A search through medical databases reveals a lack of comprehensive studies addressing the long-term impact of poop sprays. The issue may be further compounded by the potential for lingering residues, as seen with the serious fallout at the school, which highlights the risks of repeated exposure.

Ultimately, it’s wise to think twice before using any spray—be it a poop spray or otherwise—without first understanding its contents and the potential effects on yourself and others.