Sodium nitrite and nitrate increasingly used in youth suicide attempts, study finds

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Young people are increasingly turning to sodium nitrite and nitrate as a method of suicide after buying the products online, according to research presented during the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition, held at the Colorado Convention Center Sept. 26–30.

Frank Pleban, Ph.D., associate professor at Tennessee State University and research author, said that the chemicals, which when ingested may cause hypoxia and eventual death, are often readily available for purchase online. He said his findings indicate the need for a robust system with collaboration between public health officials, emergency responders and health care workers to address this growing concern.

“There are a variety of prevention opportunities resulting from this work, including increasing awareness about the growing use of sodium nitrite and nitrate in self-harm, providing suicide prevention resources that specifically address this method, and informing the public about the ease of access to these chemical compounds online,” Pleban said.

Both chemical compounds are salt derivatives most commonly used in food preservation, especially in the meat production industry. They can be easily purchased in powder form online as curing ingredients.

Those found to have used the drugs were more likely to have seen a health care provider within a month before death, had a mental health emergency department visit in the year prior and had been hospitalized for mental health issues. These interactions are all points at which medical professionals have opportunities to intervene, the authors said.

They suggest safeguards that include training first responders and health care providers in recognizing symptoms of overdose from these chemicals.

“Public health professionals are uniquely situated to identify emerging risks in their communities. This early identification saves lives,” said co-author Abby Collier, DrPH, Director, National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention, a program of the Michigan Public Health Institute.