North Columbus News

Representative Mike Carey (OH-15) has announced the passage of his Youth Poisoning Protection Act, a piece of legislation partially inspired by the tragic 2020 death of Hilliard sixteen-year-old Kristine Jónsson.

“It’s a parent’s worst nightmare: a faceless stranger over the internet teaching your child how to take their own life, and your child, in a moment of vulnerability, listening to them,” Congressman Carey stated. He added that the chemicals are currently readily available online for minors to purchase and have delivered directly to their homes. This bill marks a significant step towards removing these deadly poisons from children's reach.

Kristin Jónsson, mother of Kristine Jónsson, expressed her belief that limiting access to lethal means can often allow time for a crisis to pass. She emphasized her gratitude towards lawmakers, including Representative Carey, for recognizing that suicide is often impulsive and that easy access to lethal substances reduces chances of survival.

Legal representatives Carrie Goldberg and Naomi Leeds, who represent 30 families affected by sodium nitrite self-poisoning, revealed their three-year-long struggle with an online retailer selling industrial-grade sodium nitrite. They lamented the lack of responsibility shown by the retailer despite being informed about its use in suicides.

The bill was co-led in the House of Representatives by Representative Lori Trahan (MA-03) and Senators J.D. Vance (OH) and Tammy Duckworth (IL) in the Senate. Congresswoman Trahan described the act as urgently needed to limit consumer access to high concentrations of sodium nitrite promoted online as a suicide method.

The Youth Poisoning Protection Act has garnered support from Consumer Reports, Public Citizen, Consumer Federation of America, National Consumers League, and the Crisis Text Line.

Sodium nitrite is primarily used in meat and fish preservation but can be extremely lethal if consumed in high concentrations. The number of sodium nitrite self-poisonings has increased ninefold in recent years, highlighting a troubling trend among young people.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress, immediate help is available through resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline and the Crisis Text Line.