This study sought to identify risk factors & trends that might underlie the greatly increased incidence of charcoal-burning suicide in Taiwan. Data from a national mortality register for those aged 15 & older who died by suicide during 2001-2006 were analyzed. A review of available evidence & comparison with historical cases was also performed. The incidence of charcoal-burning suicide was 0.22 per 100,000 in 1999 but reached 6.48 per 100,000 in 2006. Age, gender, marital status, & year of suicide were significant predictors for suicide by charcoal-burning. This method alone accounted for 33.5% of suicides in Taiwan in 2006. Romanticizing suicide by charcoal burning by the media & cultural influences may have contributed to the increased suicides. (23 refs.)