Based on research using autopsy reports from forensic medical services in the Netherlands, N=172 suicides were identified in which sodium azide or sodium nitrite were used. In many cases (n=73, 42%), the substance or its packaging was found during the autopsy on site. Other indications included the discovery of a note (n=46, 27%) or instructions for use (n=18, 10%) at the place of death, and the presence of the substance in blood samples (n=20, 12%). In several cases, multiple of these indications for the use of the substance were found. In n=8 cases (5%), the use of the substance was suspected, but it could not be definitively determined whether and which substance was used.
The average age of individuals who died after ingesting sodium azide or sodium nitrite was 59 years.
16 people (9%) died under the age of 29.
37 people (22%) died between the ages of 30 and 49.
54 people (31%) died between the ages of 50 and 69.
65 people (38%) were aged 70 or older at the time of death.
In the autopsy reports of n=33 deceased individuals (19%), the forensic doctor reported that euthanasia had been requested. For n=21 of them, the euthanasia request was denied.
In nearly three-quarters of suicides involving sodium azide or sodium nitrite (n=120, 70%), the forensic doctor mentioned a psychiatric history, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, in the autopsy report.
It was known that 17% had previously attempted suicide.
Most people who died after ingesting sodium azide or sodium nitrite died at home. In 22% of cases (n=38), others were present at the time of the suicide.
The researchers assume that there were more suicides involving sodium azide and sodium nitrite than the 172 reported in the study because deaths after ingestion of the substance can be mistaken for natural deaths, especially in older age.
Source
https://openresearch.amsterdam/nl/page/104869/suĂŻcide-door-middel-van-zelfdo
The average age of individuals who died after ingesting sodium azide or sodium nitrite was 59 years.
16 people (9%) died under the age of 29.
37 people (22%) died between the ages of 30 and 49.
54 people (31%) died between the ages of 50 and 69.
65 people (38%) were aged 70 or older at the time of death.
In the autopsy reports of n=33 deceased individuals (19%), the forensic doctor reported that euthanasia had been requested. For n=21 of them, the euthanasia request was denied.
In nearly three-quarters of suicides involving sodium azide or sodium nitrite (n=120, 70%), the forensic doctor mentioned a psychiatric history, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, in the autopsy report.
It was known that 17% had previously attempted suicide.
Most people who died after ingesting sodium azide or sodium nitrite died at home. In 22% of cases (n=38), others were present at the time of the suicide.
The researchers assume that there were more suicides involving sodium azide and sodium nitrite than the 172 reported in the study because deaths after ingestion of the substance can be mistaken for natural deaths, especially in older age.
Source
https://openresearch.amsterdam/nl/page/104869/suĂŻcide-door-middel-van-zelfdo
