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Sodium Nitrite Suicides on the Rise–Poison Centers Are Missing Them

Only one in 36 cases determined by medical examiners to be sodium nitrite suicide had a corresponding poison center report.
Sodium Nitrite Suicides on the Rise–Poison Centers Are Missing Them
chemical industry/Shutterstock
Rachel Ann T. Melegrito
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Suicide by sodium nitrite, a chemical compound used in preserving meats, fertilizers, and other applications, has been increasing—but poison centers are missing these cases, a new study found.

The new study, led by medical examiners, found that the number of suicides caused by sodium nitrite reported by medical examinations is significantly higher than the number reported by poison centers.
Rachel Ann T. Melegrito
Rachel Ann T. Melegrito
Author
Rachel Melegrito worked as an occupational therapist, specializing in neurological cases. Melegrito also taught university courses in basic sciences and professional occupational therapy. She earned a master's degree in childhood development and education in 2019. Since 2020, Melegrito has written extensively on health topics for various publications and brands.