Japanese Experience of Hydrogen Sulfide: the Suicide Craze in 2008

Most hydrogen sulfide poisoning in Japan has been due to industrial accidents. However, since January 2008 an increase in suicide attempts by hydrogen sulfide gas has become evident. By April, the fad had escalated into a nationwide chain reaction. Mortality was very high. Information available on the Internet was blamed for the outbreak & the National Police AGency instructed internet providers to remove such information. Several cases were serious enough that other family members died. Paramedics & caregivers also suffered secondarily. (3 refs.)