References & Sources

Suicidal link for gun owners

California data indicate that among people who buy firearms, suicide rates climb sharply and remain elevated for at least 6 years.

References:

Rosenberg, M.L., J.A. Mercy, and L.B. Potter. 1999. Firearms and suicide. New England Journal of Medicine 341(Nov. 18):1609.

Wintemute, G.J., et al. 1999. Mortality among recent purchasers of handguns. New England Journal of Medicine 341(Nov. 18):1583.

Further Readings:

Bower, B. 1992. Lethal weapons: Gun access and suicide. Science News 142(Aug. 15):102.

Sources:

Mark L. Rosenberg
Collaborative Center for Child Well-Being
Decatur, GA 30030

Garen J. Wintemute
University of California, Davis
Medical Center
Violence Prevention Research Program
2315 Stockton Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95817

From Science News, Vol. 156, No. 24, December 11, 1999, p. 381. Copyright © 1999, Science Service.