OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments Tuesday for a lawsuit against Amazon. The plaintiffs allege that Amazon sold sodium nitrate to their relatives that committed suicide, knowing the risks and hazards of the product.
The chemical, sometimes referred to as “suicide powder,” is mostly used in industrial settings. However, a study from the National Institute of Health found that sodium nitrate use for suicide may be an emerging trend.
The attorney for the families alleged that Amazon sold and delivered sodium nitrate knowing its use for self-harm purposes was increasing.
Some justices expressed concerns over differentiating between products like sodium nitrate and other drugs used in suicides, such as Tylenol.
