Young people are increasingly turning to sodium nitrite and nitrate as a method of suicide after buying the products online, according to research presented during the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition at the Colorado Convention Center Sept. 26-30. The chemicals, which when ingested may cause hypoxia and eventual death, are often readily available for purchase online, according to the author. He said his findings indicate the need for a robust system with collaboration between public health officials, emergency responders and healthcare workers to address this growing concern.

A majority of medical and parenting videos being shared on TikTok by non-medical professionals contained misinformation, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference & Exhibition at the Colorado Convention Center from Sept. 26-30. Researchers centered on the “eco-influencer” movement, which emphasizes natural living, holistic health, and other alternative medical and parenting methods. The research, titled " The Rise of ‘Eco-Influencers’ and Misinformation on Child Health,” examined top TikTok videos with hashtags such as #naturalparenting, #antivaccine, #holistichealth, and #alternativehealing.