Carbon monoxide (CO) among the means of suicidal actions in Russia and abroad

The review summarizes data on suicidal actions using carbon monoxide (CO) in Russia and abroad. It is shown that the main sources of CO in different time periods were: household gas in Europe and America (60-70s of the XX century), car exhaust gases (70-90s); since the late 90s it is a sharp increase in the frequency of using charcoal for barbecues (mainly in Southeast Asia). CO poisoning is characterized by high mortality. Men predominate among the dead. Suicidal actions are more often thought out and planned, committed mainly against the background of emotional disturbances. The increase in the frequency of this type of suicide is facilitated by the availability of information on the Internet and the media. Prevention measures, besides regular ones, are more often associated with restricting access to CO and controlling the Internet space. In Russia, this method of suicide is not common, and usually has the character of "garage death". Preventive measures have been worked out insufficiently and need to be improved.