TY - JOUR PY - 2021// TI - Surveillance of suicide deaths involving gases in Australia using the National Coronial Information System, 2006 to 2017 JO - Australian and New Zealand journal of public health A1 - Burnett, Alexander C. R. A1 - Chen, Nicola A. A1 - McGillivray, Lauren A1 - Larsen, Mark E. A1 - Torok, Michelle SP - ePub EP - ePub VL - ePub IS - ePub N2 - BACKGROUND: There have been concerns about the increased use of helium and nitrogen gas as a suicide mechanism in Australia.

METHODS: National Coronial Information System data were used to investigate gas-specific suicides in Australia over the period 2006-2017. Characteristics were compared between helium or nitrogen, carbon monoxide and seven other gases.

RESULTS: Gas inhalation accounted for 10% (3,103/31,002) of all suicide deaths in Australia between 2006 and 2017. The mean age of individuals who died by suicide was 47.6 years (SD 16.9, R 14-97) and 83.3% were male. The number of gas suicides declined over the study period (IRR=0.96). The fall was associated with a 47% decline in carbon monoxide suicides (IRR=0.93). There was an increase in deaths due to argon (IRR=1.60) and nitrogen (IRR=1.27). Compared to individuals using other non-carbon monoxide gases, individuals who died by suicide from helium or nitrogen were significantly more likely to be older, have a physical illness and/or disability, have contacted a euthanasia group and have accessed instructional material and purchased gas online.

CONCLUSIONS: Suicides by carbon monoxide decreased between 2006 and 2017 alongside an increase in argon and nitrogen gas use - particularly among older adults. The ease of access to these gases points to new targets for means restriction. Implications for public health: Identifying the types of gases used in suicide deaths and emerging trends may enable targeted interventions that could potentially reduce access.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1326-0200 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.13087 ID - ref1 ER -