The effect of restricting access to lethal methods for suicide: a study of suicide by domestic gas in Japan

Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1989 Aug;80(2):180-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1989.tb01324.x.

Abstract

Data from Japan from 1969 to 1982 indicated that, as domestic gas was detoxified, its use for suicide declined. In addition, there was no evidence that would-be suicides switched to alternative methods for suicide. The results were interpreted as support for a recent suggestion that preventing access to lethal methods for suicide may prevent suicide.

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / poisoning
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / prevention & control
  • Coal
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Gas Poisoning / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Japan
  • Risk Factors
  • Suicide / trends
  • Suicide Prevention*

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Coal
  • naphtha