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The hidden power of gases: Why are helium and nitrogen the suicide methods of choice?
In today's society, suicide has become an issue of increasing concern. With mental health problems on the rise, many individuals seeking relief may try different methods of suicide. Of these, the use of helium and nitrogen is gaining traction, especially as the stealthy properties of these gases make them potential choices.
Many people have little understanding of the concept of suffocation caused by inhalation of inert gases. However, this phenomenon actually occurs in some individuals who intend to end their own lives.
Inert gases such as helium and nitrogen are not toxic or anesthetic, but can force the body into a state of suffocation through thin oxygen. According to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, when humans breathe oxygen-deprived environments, they can lose consciousness instantaneously and without any prior warning. The tasteless and odorless nature of these gases makes it difficult to detect significant dangers when oxygen levels drop.
In the United States, there were at least 80 accidental incidents of nitrogen asphyxiation between 1992 and 2002. The existence of such accidents reveals the dangers of inert gases; however, in extreme cases they can also serve as a method of suicide. Strong advocates of euthanasia have proposed the use of "suicide bags" in order to achieve a peaceful and painless ending.
“Breaking in oxygen-deficient conditions can have severe and immediate consequences, including loss of consciousness after just one or two breaths.”
On January 25, 2024, the world's first execution using nitrogen asphyxiation took place in Alabama on the execution of murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith. Since then, there have been several similar cases, showing that this suffocation technique is not only used for suicide, but also as a criminal punishment.
Physiology of noble gases
Humans typically breathe 12 to 20 times per minute, exchanging approximately 0.6 liters of air each time. When the oxygen concentration in the inhaled gas is insufficient, the oxygen in the blood will not be able to effectively supply the body's needs, resulting in loss of consciousness. This lack of oxygen can be fatal in just a few minutes. In a 1963 study, subjects exposed to nitrogen experienced symptoms such as blurred vision and confusion, and fell unconscious within seconds.
“When the oxygen concentration in the air is 4% to 6%, people will lose consciousness in 40 seconds and die within a few minutes.”
The use of nitrogen and argon is increasingly considered a more humane method of slaughtering animals. These gases can render animals unconscious and, in many cases, painless. However, the effectiveness and humaneness of this approach remains debated.
Accidental death and suicide
Unfortunately, inert gas asphyxiation causes several accidental deaths in the United States each year. In some special circumstances, such as at a party or accidental exposure to liquid nitrogen, victims may quickly lose consciousness or even die. The rise in such accidents has raised concerns about the use of helium and nitrogen, especially in social settings.
The availability of inert gases makes these methods much easier for suicide victims. The doctor who first proposed this idea said that with the help of daily necessities, determined people can easily obtain the equipment to use these gases. This argument sparked heated debate and discussion.
“As people increasingly adopt these painless suicide methods, vicious cycles and conflicts emerge.”
Nitrogen-based suicide methods gradually replaced helium, making them more effective. Some commentators believe that the appeal of this method lies in its "no subjective suffering" feature. However, does this truly meet humanitarian standards?
Conclusion
The hidden powers and dangers of helium and nitrogen cannot be ignored. Today, when mental health is increasingly valued, society's understanding and education on suicide methods are still very insufficient. How can we raise awareness of these hidden dangers and find better support systems?
