Understanding the Dangers of Methanol

What is this methanol in the news? How scary is it? Why do people who drink it suffer severe symptoms leading to death? How can we protect ourselves? Let me first explain that there are many types of alcohol. The alcohol we typically drink is called ethanol, which is safe for consumption.

Ethanol

Ethanol is an alcohol produced by fermenting yeast with natural ingredients or various plants such as sugarcane, rice, corn, and cassava. This type of alcohol can be touched, consumed, or enter the body, and can also be used to kill various germs, depending on the concentration of alcohol in the mixture.

So, What is Methanol?

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, is a type of alcohol that is highly toxic to the human body. If ingested in large quantities, it can lead to severe poisoning and death. Generally, methanol is used as a chemical solvent in industries for products like wood paint, wood lacquer, varnish, nail polish remover, and even as fuel. It's for external use only and should never be consumed.

How Dangerous is Drinking Methanol?

When methanol enters our body, it is converted into formaldehyde and formic acid, which become toxic substances causing severe dangers, including:

1. Central Nervous System: Headache, dizziness, confusion, seizures, and unconsciousness

2. Digestive System: Nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain

3. Vision: Blurred vision, unclear sight, light sensitivity, "snowfield vision", and possibly permanent vision loss

4. Cardiovascular System: Irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure

5. Kidneys: Acute kidney failure

6. Metabolism: Causes metabolic acidosis, which can be life-threatening

How to Avoid Methanol Poisoning

• Avoid drinking non-standard or illegally produced alcoholic beverages

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment when working with methanol

• Keep products containing methanol out of children's reach and clearly labeled

• Increase strictness in controlling the production and sale of alcoholic beverages

Treatment involves immediately taking the patient to the hospital if methanol poisoning is suspected. Treatment may include antidotes like ethanol or fomepizole, dialysis, and symptomatic treatment. The quicker the treatment is accessed, the more the severity of methanol poisoning can be reduced.

Most importantly, if you choose to drink alcohol, select it from safe and reliable sources to ensure its origin and protect your health.

References

1. World Health Organization. (2014). Methanol poisoning outbreaks.

2. Kraut, J. A., & Kurtz, I. (2008). Toxic alcohol ingestions: clinical features, diagnosis, and management. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 3(1), 208-225.

3. Barceloux, D. G., et al. (2002). American Academy of Clinical Toxicology practice guidelines on the treatment of methanol poisoning. Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology, 40(4), 415-446.