Recent trends in an uncommon method of carbon monoxide suicide.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The most prevalent method of carbon monoxide (CO) suicide is inhalation of vehicle exhaust (VE). However, a new method of CO suicide has recently emerged involving charcoal burning (CB) in a confined space to produce fatal CO levels. This method has been reported from countries in Asia, associated with economic instability and media reporting of high-profile celebrity cases. The current study was undertaken to analyze rates and characteristics of CB suicides in South Australia (SA) for comparison with respect to their characteristics and scene, autopsy and toxicology findings.

Methods

A search was undertaken for all intentional fatal carbon monoxide poisonings in SA between 2000 and 2019. Collected variables included age, sex, cause of death, location of death, deced

SUBMITTER: Stephenson L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11525260 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature