Chemical Suicides – How They Affect You

Chemical suicides have been prevalent in Japan since 2007, and the phenomenon has been present in the US since 2008. According to the New York Times article “Chemical Suicides, Popular in Japan, are Increasing in the US,” In 2010, there were 36 chemical suicides in the United States. From January to June 2011, there were at least 27, indicating that the incidence is rising. Although these incidents make up a tiny percentage of the estimated 34,000 suicides each year, chemical suicide has the potential to injure or kill many others besides its intended victim. In one case in Michigan, emergency workers were taken to the hospital after a firefighter moved a canister in the car of a suicide victim, causing the gas to be re-released, and in another, and elderly woman became sick after fumes from a suicide attempt in an upstairs apartment leaked through her ceiling.

According to “Chemical Suicides Create Two Pennsylvania HAZMAT Scares in Two Days,” in a study conducted by the CDC examining chemical suicides attempted in cars from 2006 to 2010 in 15 states, 10 suicides matching the criteria, 85 surrounding people had to be evacuated and 32 had to be decontaminated. Four officers were injured responding to the suicides. For property owners and managers, chemical suicides pose a unique threat to their residents and staff.

Toxicology

As discussed by Deputy Chief Jake Oreshan and Fire Protection Specialist Teresa Stevens in “The Chemical Suicide Phenomena,” hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide and the two most commonly used gases in chemical suicide. Inhaled at high concentration, one breath can cause immediate death. In lower doses, hydrogen sulfide can cause coughing, drowsiness, accumulation of fluid in the lungs, heart attack and, eventually, death. Hydrogen cyanide is toxic by inhalation, skin absorption and ingestion and can cause high blood pressure, elevated or decreased heart rate and, in high doses or prolonged exposure, death.

What should I do?

In many cases, victims of chemical suicide will post notices on their door to alert neighbors, first responders and emergency personnel to the presence of harmful gases. However, it is extremely important that no one except trained HAZMAT or emergency responders attempt to enter the contaminated residence. Failure to enter properly and contain the fumes can result in widespread distribution of the gases throughout the apartment building or community. If you are alerted to the presence of gas or warning signs in your complex by one of your staff members or residence, call 911 immediately. The community may have to be evacuated, and units and residents may have to be decontaminated by a team of professionals.

Although this type of suicide is still rare in the US, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with disturbing the scene of a chemical suicide. Be mindful of the potential consequences and leave the situation to the professionals.