In efforts to combat the rising trend of sodium nitrite used in suicides, particularly among young people, Colorado House Bill 24-1081 (HB24-1081), signed into law by Governor Jared Polis in April, regulates the sale of sodium nitrite in Colorado. The legislation, driven by personal stories of loss and community advocacy efforts, aims to prevent chemical misuse.
State Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Eagle, who represents District 8, a key proponent of the bill, explained the impetus behind the legislation. “This was a bill born out of several tragedies in my district,” he shared.
The catalyst for the bill was the death of a 17-year-old boy in Clear Creek County who ingested sodium nitrite in November 2022. The boy’s father approached Roberts and Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, urging them to take action after discovering that his son had been influenced by online communities, particularly chat rooms, where methods of self-harm are discussed.
Roberts and Amabile joined Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, and Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, to co-sponsor the bill, which became state law and went into effect on July 1.
Roberts had not been aware of sodium nitrite’s potential for harm before this and noted, “It’s shocking to me that it is available so easily. You can order it on Amazon or go to a store and pick it up for less than $10.” As they researched further, the legislators found
that the problem was not isolated. Another family in Steamboat Springs lost their 28-year-old daughter to sodium nitrite, underscoring the urgent need for regulation.
While there is currently no federal legislation explicitly regulating the sale of sodium nitrite, legal actions and advocacy efforts are aiming to address its misuse in suicides. Lawsuits have been filed against online retailers like Amazon for selling sodium nitrite without proper product warnings, not enforcing age verifications and restricting the sale of high-concentration sodium nitrite to unauthorized buyers.
Sodium nitrite is a fine white or yellowish crystalline powder used in meat curing by food producers and game hunters to enhance flavor and prevent bacteria. The substance is regulated for safety and often mixed with salt and other agents in pre-measured packets to ensure
a correct dosage. However, its ease of availability and lethal potency have made it a tool for those seeking to harm themselves. Roberts emphasized the role of the internet and social media in spreading information about its misuse.
The new legislation prohibits selling or transferring products containing 10% or greater sodium nitrite to individuals. This means that while stores can still sell sodium nitrite, it must be at a significantly lower concentration, or sales are restricted to licensed users, such as food production companies and butcher supply shops. The aim is to prevent individuals from easily obtaining high concentrations of the chemical without legitimate need.
The bill also imposes stringent penalties for violations. A first offense can incur a $10,000 fine, escalating to $1 million for second and subsequent violations. Roberts clarified, “We don’t want to punish businesses acting honestly, but once they get that first warning, they need to ensure they’re protecting their products better.”
The bill received broad bipartisan support from Colorado legislators, passing 60-4 in the House and 34-1 in the Senate. Mental health organizations have praised the legislation, recognizing it as a crucial step in reducing access to a means of self-harm. Roberts acknowledged that while sodium nitrite is not the only substance that can be misused, restricting its availability can save lives.
Reflecting on the emotional testimonies heard during the bill’s committee hearings, Roberts expressed his gratitude for the families who turned their tragedies into advocacy.
“This bill is a common-sense measure that’s going to save lives,” he said. “It’s difficult that it came out of such tragedy for these families, but I appreciate their willingness to turn it into something positive for the state.”
For those struggling with mental health issues, help is available. The 988 line is a free, confidential service for anyone in Colorado facing a mental health, substance use or emotional crisis. Other support resources include:
Aspen Hope Center
Website: www.aspenhopecenter.org
24/7 Crisis Line: Aspen to Glenwood Springs 970-925-5858
24/7 Crisis Line: New Castle to Parachute 970-945-3728
Services include crisis intervention, mental health assessments and referrals to local mental health professionals.
Colorado Crisis Services
24/7 Crisis Line
Website: www.coloradocrisisservices.org/home
1-844-493-TALK (8255)
Text Line: Text “TALK” to 38255
Offers crisis support and connection to local resources.