A novel source of carbon monoxide for suicide attempt

Nicholas James Brady; Priya Sunilkumar Patel; Siamak Moayedi; Douglas Sward

doi:10.22462/05.06.2022.6

A novel source of carbon monoxide for suicide attempt

Undersea Hyperb Med. 2022 Third Quarter;49(3):329-331. doi: 10.22462/05.06.2022.6.

Authors

Nicholas James Brady¹, Priya Sunilkumar Patel¹, Siamak Moayedi^{2

3}, Douglas Sward^{2

3}

Affiliations

¹ University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
² Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
³ Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

PMID: 36001565
DOI: 10.22462/05.06.2022.6

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) inhalation is a common method of suicide. The combination of formic acid with sulfuric acid creates carbon monoxide. This novel method is described in readily accessible internet-based resources. We present the case of a 35-year-old woman who developed CO toxicity by using this method. It is important for hyperbaric medicine physicians to be aware of this source of CO toxicity.

Keywords: carbon monoxide; formic acid; hyperbaric medicine; suicide; sulfuric acid.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Administration, Inhalation
Adult
Carbon Monoxide / toxicity
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning* / therapy
Female
Humans
Hyperbaric Oxygenation*
Physicians*
Suicide, Attempted

Substances

Carbon Monoxide