Summary The use of a simple, available and legal inorganic salt like sodium azide to provide a peaceful and reliable death has attracted support and strong criticism with claims and counter- claims about its effectiveness.The publication of this data has not resolved this issue.
Nevertheless, this new data confirm the effectiveness of this salt as a means of bringing about a reliable DIY death . Questions remain about time to loss of consciousness, and the possibility of experiencing unpleasant symptoms.
The lack of any antidote is seen by many as an important positive, especially if there is the prospect of emergency intervention.
Note also the special issues associated with storage, safe disposal, and the possible risk that sodium azide poses to others after death.
That said, sodium azide is an important, available substance that provides a lawful, end of life option.