Suffocation caused by plastic wrap covering the face combined with nitrous oxide inhalation

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Suicide by suffocation using plastic bags and inert gases is documented.
• Nitrous oxide (N2O), or laughing gas, is a recreational inhalant with euphoric effects, legally available.
• Deaths from recreational N2O abuse are uncommon but can be fatal, especially when combined with suffocation methods.

Observation:

• A 17-year-old male died from suffocation via household plastic wrap covering his nose and mouth.
• Autopsy revealed asphyxia, with N2O detected in brain and lung tissue via headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• The deceased had a history of depression, suggesting suicide.

Findings:

• The cause of death was attributed to suffocation from external facial obstruction combined with N2O inhalation.
• This represents the first reported case of suicide using plastic wrap suffocation and N2O.
• The combination of asphyxiation and N2O inhalation proved lethal.

Implications:

• This case underscores the lethal potential of combining recreational inhalant abuse with suffocation methods.
• It highlights the need for awareness regarding the risks associated with nitrous oxide.
• Forensic and medical professionals should consider this unusual suicide method in similar cases.