House passes bill to ban a compound used in suicides

SALT LAKE CITY — National legislation backed by Utah Rep. Celeste Maloy is working to ban a compound, known as sodium nitrite, that is becoming increasingly common in suicides.

The Youth Poisoning and Protection Act would prohibit the consumer sale of sodium nitrite at concentrations of 10% or higher. It would also label the compound as a hazardous product. The compound is usually sold in concentrations around 100%.

The compound is commonly used in meat curing and preservation, as a corrosion inhibitor, and as part of an antidote to cyanide poisoning. However, it is highly toxic and can cause death when ingested in high concentrations.

Sodium nitrite poisoning has become an increasingly common method of suicide among teenagers and young adults, according to recent research from the Centers for Disease Control.

The bill, if passed by the Senate and signed by the president, prohibits consumer sales of the compound. It does not restrict commercial uses.

Maloy is a co-sponsor of this act, which Rep. Chris Stewart previously sponsored.

The act passed the House last Wednesday. It waits for approval from the Senate.

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Crisis hotlines

• Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
• SafeUT Crisis Line: 833-372-3388
• 988 Suicide and Crisis LifeLine at 988
• Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386

Online resources

• NAMI Utah: namiut.org
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Utah chapter: afsp.org/chapter/utah

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• Public comments heard at council meeting after Abravanel Hall master plan released
• Khloee’s journey: Overcoming scoliosis with courage and cheer

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