A chemical used to keep food fresh, called sodium nitrite, is being linked to more suicide deaths in the UK. Young people, especially boys and men, are the most affected.
Scientists looked at data from 2019 to 2024. They examined cases that were sent to the main lab that tests for nitrite and its partner chemical, nitrate, after a death.
During that time the lab got 274 samples linked to 201 possible poisonings. Most of the samples came from England, Ireland, and Gibraltar.
After cleaning the data, 164 cases were approved for study. The average age of the people was 28. Ages ranged from 14 to 82.
Who was most affected?
About 71% of the cases involved younger generations. One‑third were born between 1981 and 1996 (Gen Z) and another 38% were born after 1997 (Millennials). Only a small number were older adults.
Men made up most of the cases—109 men compared with 52 women. In every age group except the oldest, men were the majority.
What did the tests show?
Blood tests found nitrite levels that were 100 times higher than normal. This suggests the chemical was taken on purpose.
Why might the real numbers be higher?
Testing for nitrite isn’t done in every suspected suicide, so many cases could be missed. Also, the time between death and testing varied, which might affect the accuracy of the results.
What is causing the rise?
Researchers say easy‑to‑find online instructions on how to obtain and use sodium nitrite may be helping the problem. Young people, who use the internet a lot, can find these guides quickly.
What should be done?
The study urges immediate action:
- Limit public access to sodium nitrite.
- Remove harmful how‑to guides from websites.
- Give emergency crews antidote kits (methylthioninium chloride) so they can treat poisoning quickly.
Lead researcher Professor Amrita Ahluwalia says the findings are upsetting but show why fast steps are needed to protect people.