A common food additive has unfortunately become a popular means to commit suicide in its concentrated form and lawmakers in Colorado have introduced a bill in hopes of making it more difficult to obtain.

What is the Food Additive that Colorado Might Ban?

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Sodium nitrite is a food additive that is used to cure meats. While sodium chloride or table salt has been used to cure meats such as ham, hot dogs, and bologna, sodium nitrite has replaced salt in many cases due to the red color it gives the meat as opposed to the brown color that salt produces.

The compound has also historically been used to treat individuals who have experienced cyanide poisoning.

However, the compound has also been widely used for something much darker.

Suicides Have Inspired Colorado Lawmakers to Ban Concentrated Sodium Nitrite

Unfortunately, sodium nitrite has also become known for being an aide in suicides. The compound has been reportedly sold in "suicide kits" online which also include instructions, and have assisted in a staggering number of deaths.

In fact, between 2018 and 2023, a reported 25 people committed suicide in Colorado using this method.

As sad as these numbers are, some Colorado lawmakers are seeking a solution.

A Colorado Bill Aims to Ban Concentrated Sodium Nitrite

Because of the tragic statistics that link sodium nitrite to suicide deaths in Colorado, lawmakers have introduced HB24-1081 which, if passed, would regulate the sale of the chemical compound in the state.

Essentially, the bill would limit the sale of sodium nitrite to legitimate businesses and prohibit sales of the compound in its concentrated form from being sold to individuals.

The bill also outlines the punishment for violating the law, which would come with a penalty of $10,000 for first-time offenders.

[Denver7 / Denver 7 YouTube]

NEXT UP: Crazy Old Colorado Laws That Are Still Enforced Today

We all know that we need laws and law enforcement to keep our communities civilized. But it's amazing how many outdated laws are still on the books across our beautiful country.

After looking at OutThere Colorado and Uncover Colorado I put together a list of ridiculous laws that are still in effect here in the state that we call home.

Strangest Laws in Colorado You're Probably Breaking Right Now

We all try our hardest to follow the law, even when we don't agree with them. We took a look at some of Colorado's laws and discovered a few that make no sense at all.

We know drinking and driving is illegal, but did you know riding a horse while intoxicated is illegal. Or take a mule or donkey into a building could get you in trouble.

And whoever threw a missile at a car is someone we'd like to meet.

Take a look at Colorado's most outrageous laws on the books.

18 State Laws Colorado Residents Want to Get Rid Of

As Colorado residents, we're asking you what state laws you think are outdated or unnecessary. Would you get rid of the state income tax or something else? Scroll through the comments below to see which laws Colorado is ready to get rid of.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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