Related Experiment Videos
Failed suicide attempt by emission gas poisoning
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|April 1, 1984
Summary
A patient survived car emission gas exposure due to low carbon monoxide levels in modern vehicles. This suggests a potential decrease in suicide fatalities using this method.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Car exhaust fumes have historically been used in suicide attempts.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a primary toxic component in vehicle emissions.
Observation:
- A patient exposed to prolonged car emission gases survived the incident.
- Analysis indicated unusually low carbon monoxide levels in the vehicle's exhaust.
Findings:
- Modern vehicle emission control systems significantly reduce carbon monoxide output.
- Lower CO concentrations may render this method of suicide less lethal.
Implications:
- Future suicide attempts using this method may result in fewer fatalities.
- This highlights the unintended public health consequences of automotive emission standards.