Charcoal-Burning Suicides and Strategies for Prevention

Abstract

This paper examines the emergence of a new method of suicide in Hong Kong by carbon monoxide poisoning generated by the burning of charcoal. In just 6 years, it has become the second most common means of suicide after jumping from heights. The profile of these charcoal-burning suicide victims is different from that of other suicide deaths. It seems that a significant proportion of the increase in the number of suicides for the period is attributable to the charcoal burning. The effect of mass media reporting and strategies on how to contain the contagious effect of charcoal-burning deaths are discussed.