[A gas water heater as a means of suicide].

Report on two suicidal deaths by carbon monoxide, deriving from the exhaust fumes of gas water heaters. In the first case the exhaust system intentionally had been disconnected. In the second case a gas water heater with known defect (largely obstructed burner) acted as source of carbon monoxide; it had caused an accidental death some weeks before. Both suicides were aware that incomplete combustion of natural gas produces carbon monoxide. In one of the cases the CO poisoning remained undetected until autopsy.