Emerging suicide methods and implications for regional suicide prevention efforts

Abstract

<p>Sodium nitrite is commonly used as a food preservative, but over the past year, it has garnered increasing attention as a novel method for suicide. Despite being previously unknown to most of the public, interest in the substance rose following high-profile news reports of a man accused of distributing sodium nitrite online with the purpose of aiding suicide. In the northern Western Pacific region, suicides by this method seem to be relatively few, though some emerging trends have been observed recently. Nevertheless, we in the region should remain vigilant to prevent this method from becoming more widespread.</p><p>This presentation will discuss what is currently known about sodium nitrite suicides in the region, including the steps which have been taken by researchers, advocates and policymakers to prevent the distribution of the substance to the general public. Additionally, we shall discuss the impact of the national laws which regulate the distribution of this substance, effectively preventing the general public from procuring it. Comparisons will be made to similar regional experiences of the emergence of other novel suicide methods (e.g., charcoal burning and helium suicides), as well as the lessons that can be drawn from these experiences and applied to the current situation. Finally, implications of sodium nitrite suicides for regional suicide prevention efforts will be discussed, including the role of the PfL initiative to promote regional and international cooperation.</p>