Introduction In USA, asphyxia by non-intentional suffocation is the leading cause of fatal injury in children younger than 1 year old and fourth for children aged 1 through 4 years. However, little is known of these causes in Mexico.

Objective To analyse asphyxia by suffocation mortality trend in Mexico, from 1979 to 2007.

Material and methods Mortalities and trends were estimated for the study period from Mexicos official data based on the International Classification of Diseases, and included codes E911-E913 (ICD-9) and W75-W80 (ICD-10). Results were analysed by age group, sex and year registered, as well as by state and size of city or town of residence.

Results From 1979 to 2007 occurred 63 387 deaths by suffocation in Mexico. Through 1980–1997 mortality is around 2/100 000, showing a high increased by 1998, rising approximately 3.5/100 000 until 2004, when a decrease began. Those under 1 year olds show the highest mortality risk. Suffocation mortality was more frequent in male than in females, with a ratio of 3 to 1.

Conclusions Non-intentional suffocation is a public health problem without attention in Mexico. This cause of death needs more attention, and to be addressed from a scientific point of view to reduces its magnitude.