Go Tokyo Your Experience
Unexpected hazards in Japan’s farewell ceremony: carbon dioxide poisoning caused by dry ice
At traditional funerals in Japan, when family and friends come to bid farewell, they usually see the body wrapped in dry ice inside the coffin to maintain its integrity.
However, recently the Japan Consumer Agency released shocking data indicating that in the past few years, there have been three cases of deaths due to relatives and friends getting too close to the body during farewell ceremonies and inhaling excessive carbon dioxide. This news quickly sparked widespread discussion online.
Danger caused by dry ice: carbon dioxide poisoning
During the farewell ceremony, the body is usually preserved using dry ice.
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide, and as it evaporates, a large amount of carbon dioxide gas accumulates inside the coffin. According to a report from the Japan Consumer Agency, some relatives and friends may have buried their heads too deep inside the coffin when bidding farewell to the deceased, resulting in inhaling high concentrations of carbon dioxide gas and causing acute poisoning.
According to the explanation from the Consumer Affairs Department, if the interior of the coffin is completely sealed and contains dry ice, the concentration of carbon dioxide inside the coffin can reach a level that can quickly make people unconscious (about 30%) within just 20 minutes. After 4 hours, the concentration can reach up to 90%. Even if the small door of the coffin is opened, the concentration of carbon dioxide will still be very high. In this case, people close to the coffin are highly susceptible to poisoning due to lack of oxygen.
Case details: Three fatalities
In 2020-2021, Japan experienced three such fatal accidents
The Consumer Affairs Department also detailed three typical cases from the past few years:
Case 1A relative and friend fell unconscious at the funeral home, lying next to the open door, and was later taken to the hospital and passed away.
Case 2A person was found with their head stuck into a coffin filled with dry ice and died after being taken to the hospital.
Case 3During a vigil at home, a person was found dead with their head stuck into a dry ice coffin.
These cases reveal that inhaling high concentrations of carbon dioxide can cause fatal harm to the body when placed too close to a dry ice coffin.
Suggestions from the Consumer Department
In order to prevent similar tragedies from happening again, the Consumer Council has issued some important safety tips:
Do not probe into the coffinWhen bidding farewell to the deceased, be sure to maintain a certain distance and avoid placing your head too close to the inside of the coffin.
Maintain ventilationEnsure good ventilation indoors during vigil or farewell to prevent excessive accumulation of carbon dioxide.
Don’t keep a vigil aloneHaving someone to accompany can help identify problems in a timely manner and prevent accidents from happening.
If you feel unwell, immediately move away from the coffinIf you feel discomfort in breathing, dizziness, or other symptoms, immediately leave the vicinity of the coffin and call the emergency number.
If you encounter any confusion, please consult the funeral homeIf you have any questions, be sure to seek help from professionals to ensure safety.
Hidden risks in farewell ceremonies
Although dry ice is widely used in farewell ceremonies, the carbon dioxide gas it produces can pose a deadly danger.
Through the reminders of these accidents, we have become more aware of the importance of maintaining a safe distance and good ventilation during funerals. When expressing respect for the deceased, family and friends must follow relevant safety measures to ensure that no accidents occur.