Chloe Zhang
Plastic bags are a common household item, but they can pose a serious risk of suffocation, especially in cases of suicide, homicide, or accidental death. While it is uncommon for a plastic bag to cause suffocation, it can be fatal if the bag is tightly sealed around the neck, blocking airflow and causing oxygen deprivation, which can lead to brain damage or death. In some cases, plastic bags are intentionally used as a method of suicide, often in conjunction with inert gases, making the cause of death difficult to determine. This has raised concerns among government officials and anti-abortion groups about the potential misuse of plastic bags as suicide tools.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a plastic bag kill? | Yes |
| Common method? | No, but common among children who accidentally play with shopping bags and adolescents who abuse solvents |
| Plastic bag suicides per year in New York City | 15 |
| Plastic bag suicides in Milan between 1993 and 2013 | 101 |
| Plastic bag suicide combined with | Organic solvent, diethyl ether, propane, codeine, acetaminophen/codeine phosphate tablets |
| Plastic bag suicide also known as | Suicide bag, exit bag, hood |
| Plastic bag suicide method | Inert gas asphyxiation, hypoxic death |
| Plastic bag suicide speed | Very rapid |
| Plastic bag suicide autopsy | Challenging, poor or no signs of asphyxia, toxicological analysis required |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and suicide
Plastic bags can be used as a method of suicide. Suicide by plastic bag suffocation is not common, but it has been reported before. In a review of cases within the jurisdiction of the King County Medical Examiner's Office, Seattle, Washington from 1984 to 1993, 53 suicides using plastic bags were identified. It was found that this method was used more frequently by individuals older than 50 compared to other methods. The most common stressor leading to suicide in this population was failing health.
In some cases, plastic bags are used in conjunction with organic solvents like diethyl ether or ethyl ether. In one such case, a 49-year-old male merchant was found by his wife with a plastic bag secured around his neck, with a towel soaked in ether inside the bag. The death was classified as suicide.
The use of plastic bags as suicide devices has been described in the book Final Exit by Derek Humphry, where it is referred to as a suicide bag or exit bag. It is described as a large plastic bag with an adjustable velcro strip around the neck, used in conjunction with inert gases like helium or nitrogen. The use of nitrogen is preferred by some as it leaves no trace during autopsy, unlike helium.
The sale of suicide bags is prohibited in some places. In 2011, Oregon became the first US state to pass legislation prohibiting the sale of kits containing suicide bags.
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Homicide with plastic bags
Despite its rarity, plastic bag suffocation has been identified as a cause of death in some homicide cases. In one instance, the perpetrator drew inspiration from a scene in the film "Charade". In another case, a 49-year-old male merchant in Athens, Greece, was found by his wife with a plastic bag secured around his neck, with traces of diethyl ether present.
Plastic bags can be used in homicide cases in various ways. They can be placed over the head to cause suffocation, or they can be used in conjunction with volatile substances or solvents to enhance the lethal effect. The use of plastic bags in homicide can be challenging for pathologists to identify, especially if the bag is removed before the investigation. Facial congestion, petechiae in the conjunctivae and face, lesions in the internal oral mucosa, and abrasions in the labial commissures are some of the external signs that may be observed in victims of plastic bag homicide.
The use of plastic bags in homicide cases has been documented in various countries, including Colombia, Italy, and Greece. The victims are predominantly young men between the ages of 15 and 27. The availability of information on suicide methods, including the use of plastic bags, has been a concern, with some advocating for preventive measures to limit the spread of such information.
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Accidental death with plastic bags
Plastic bags can be a cause of accidental death, particularly in children who play with shopping bags and adolescents who abuse solvents. In one case, a 49-year-old male merchant in Athens, Greece, died of asphyxiation by plastic bag suffocation. The man was found by his wife with a plastic bag fastened around his neck, and a small cleaning towel inside the bag containing ether, a solvent. The autopsy showed prominent organ congestion and pulmonary edema, and toxicological analysis revealed a high concentration of ether in his blood. This case highlights the dangers of plastic bags, especially when used in conjunction with solvents, and the importance of keeping them out of reach of children and vulnerable individuals.
Another case involving a 32-year-old lorry driver who died of plastic bag asphyxiation was ruled a suicide. The man was found dead in his lorry cab with the windows rolled up and a curtain drawn across the windshield. There was no suicide note, but it was discovered that he had watched an American movie that provided a step-by-step description of the suicidal process. This case underscores the impact of media and the internet in influencing vulnerable individuals.
While plastic bag asphyxiation is an uncommon cause of death, it can be accidental, suicidal, or homicidal. The manner of death is often determined by investigating the physical evidence at the scene. The presence of a plastic bag over the head, in conjunction with the inhalation of gases or the use of sedative substances, can indicate an intentional act. However, in children or individuals with impaired judgment, accidental death by plastic bag asphyxiation can occur, emphasizing the need for supervision and safe handling of plastic bags.
The misuse of plastic bags for asphyxiation has been promoted by right-to-die groups and euthanasia advocacy organizations. They provide instructions and distribute kits that include plastic bags and inert gases like helium or nitrogen. These groups claim that this method offers a peaceful and painless death, but it is important to recognize the dangers associated with these practices and the potential for accidental deaths, especially among vulnerable populations.
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Plastic bags and drug abuse
Plastic bags can be directly and indirectly harmful to humans. Directly, they can be used for plastic bag suffocation, which is a method of suicide. This method is often combined with other methods, such as drug intake, to increase the likelihood of death.
Indirectly, plastic bags are harmful to humans due to their negative impact on the environment. The plastic used in bags contains chemical additives associated with cancers, birth defects, and immune system suppression. As plastic bags break down, they release toxins into the soil and water, which can be harmful to animals and humans. Additionally, humans consume microplastics through food and air, with an estimated global consumption of the equivalent of a credit card of plastic every week.
Plastic bags are also associated with drug abuse and illegal drug distribution. Small plastic bags, often referred to as "drug baggies", are commonly used to carry drugs such as cannabis and cocaine. These bags are easily concealable and can be smuggled in body cavities, making them attractive to drug dealers and users. "Trash cans" specifically refer to plastic capsules that are haphazardly packed with deadly fentanyl and sold in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The thickness of these capsules makes them durable and less likely to break, increasing their popularity among drug traffickers.
The use of plastic bags in drug distribution poses a significant threat to public health. Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid, and even a tiny amount can cause a fatal overdose. The combination of drug intake and plastic bag suffocation can lead to complex suicides, making postmortem diagnosis challenging for forensic pathologists.
To address the issues associated with plastic bags and drug abuse, it is essential to promote waste prevention, reuse, and recycling initiatives. Additionally, early intervention and open communication about drug abuse within families can help provide a safer future and address addiction and drug problems. Seeking help from organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is crucial for individuals struggling with addiction.
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Plastic bags and asphyxiation
Plastic bags can be accidentally or intentionally placed over the head, leading to suffocation and asphyxiation. While plastic bag suffocation is not a common cause of death, it can be challenging for pathologists to determine the exact cause of death when a body is found with a plastic bag in situ. This is because the plastic bag may be removed before a investigation into the death is initiated.
Plastic bags can be accidentally placed over the head, such as during play with shopping bags or while abusing solvents. Intentional use includes homicide, suicide, and euthanasia. In the case of suicide, plastic bags are often combined with inert gases, such as helium or nitrogen, to induce asphyxiation. This method is promoted by some right-to-die organisations and is described in books and films. The use of nitrogen is preferred by those who do not want the cause of death established, as there is currently no test to detect asphyxiation by nitrogen.
The combination of a plastic bag and an organic solvent is highly unusual. There have been reported cases of suicidal deaths due to the combination of plastic bag suffocation and diethyl ether inhalation. In one such case, a 49-year-old male was found with a plastic bag securely fastened around his neck, with a small cleaning towel inside. A bottle of diethyl ether was found nearby, and the autopsy revealed organ congestion and pulmonary edema.
Plastic bag asphyxiation, particularly when combined with inert gas inhalation, is a common method in suicides. This method is often chosen for its accessibility and the perception that it is painless. Younger age groups demonstrate an increased tendency towards gas inhalation suicides. The use of plastic bags in suicides can be influenced by information found on the internet and in the press.
To prevent plastic bag asphyxiation, it is important to keep plastic bags away from children and to be cautious when using solvents. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, it is crucial to seek help from a mental health professional or a suicide prevention organisation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a plastic bag can kill you. Death occurs due to cardio-inhibitory mechanisms, and poor or no signs of asphyxia may be present at autopsy.
Death by a plastic bag is caused by suffocation. The plastic bag restricts airflow, causing a reduction in oxygen levels. Brain cells are very sensitive to reduced oxygen levels and will begin to die off within five minutes.
Death occurs very rapidly, within five minutes of oxygen deprivation.
If the bag is not tight around the neck, oxygen will be able to enter the bag. However, if the bag is pulled over the mouth and nose, blocking airflow, this can result in death.
Plastic bags have been used as a method of suicide, sometimes in conjunction with other methods like drug intake or inhalation of inert gases.
