Taiwan Today

A campaign aimed at persuading people not to commit suicide through asphyxiation by burning charcoal briquettes in enclosed spaces was launched by Taiwan’s Department of Health Feb. 3. DOH Minister Yaung Chih-liang said the program aims to dissuade individuals and families from committing suicide using a method that regularly captures headlines in Japan and South Korea. “Such behavior is irresponsible and we must prevent such tragedies from happening.” Under the DOH initiative, consumers who purchase briquettes at any one of 10,138 chain stores participating in the program nationwide will receive a receipt carrying a message reminding them to respect life. Cashiers are also encouraged to provide “vulnerable” customers with a hotline number to call for help. In addition, Taipei’s Lifeline Association will conduct a school-based community awareness program, teaching parents how to recognize suicidal tendencies in their children or themselves. Responding to claims that shoppers purchasing last-minute barbecue supplies for the Lunar New Year vacation risk humiliation by being publicly outed as suicide risks, Yaung said this was unlikely to happen. “We are only paying special attention to those who buy briquettes without meat.” Lee Ming-been, director-general of the Taiwanese Society of Suicidology, poured cold water on Yaung’s remarks, stating that cashiers needed professional training before being able to detect a person contemplating suicide. “The way you talk to such people is important,” he said. “This differs between urban and rural regions, and in many cases, an unqualified person can do more harm than good.” Lee said beginning 2002, inhaling briquette fumes was frequently used as a way to commit suicide by people aged between 25 and 44. “But starting in 2005, it also mushroomed in popularity for those aged 15 to 24.” According to the DOH, out of Taiwan’s 4,200 suicides in 2008, more than 20 percent used the briquette method. (PCT-JSM)