Methanol Poisoning: Its Characteristics and Bodily Harm

A warning has been issued to travellers regarding the hazards of methanol poisoning, following the deaths of six tourists in Laos. Methanol, an industrial chemical present in antifreeze and windscreen washer fluid, is not intended for human consumption and possesses high toxicity. Ingesting even small quantities can be harmful, and a few servings of illicit alcohol containing it may prove fatal. Its appearance and taste resemble those of ethanol, and its initial effects, such as intoxication and nausea, are similar. Initially, individuals may not perceive any immediate issues. The detrimental effects manifest hours later as the body endeavors to eliminate the substance by metabolizing it in the liver. This metabolic process generates poisonous by-products, specifically formaldehyde, formate, and formic acid. These compounds accumulate, damaging nerves and organs, potentially resulting in blindness, coma, and ultimately, death. Dr Christopher Morris, a senior lecturer at Newcastle University, stated: “Formate, which is the main toxin produced, acts in a similar way to cyanide and stops energy production in cells, and the brain seems to be very vulnerable to this. “This leads to certain parts of the brain being damaged. The eyes are also directly affected and this can cause blindness which is found in many people exposed to high levels of methanol.” Among the reported victims, five out of the six were women. The level of methanol toxicity depends on the ingested dose and the individual’s physiological response. Similar to ethanol, a lower body weight can increase susceptibility to a specific quantity. Dr Knut Erik Hovda of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an organization that monitors methanol poisonings, noted that awareness levels differ significantly among tourists and medical personnel globally, which can lead to delayed diagnoses. He informed the BBC that “The symptoms are often so vague until you get really sick.” Methanol poisoning constitutes a medical emergency requiring hospital treatment. Available interventions include drug therapies and dialysis to purify the blood. In certain instances, treatment involves administering alcohol (ethanol) to competitively inhibit methanol metabolism, though this must be performed promptly. Prof Alastair Hay, an environmental toxicology expert from the University of Leeds, clarified: “Ethanol acts as a competitive inhibitor largely preventing methanol breakdown, but markedly slowing it down, allowing the body to vent methanol from the lungs and some through the kidneys, and a little through sweat.” Dr Hovda emphasized that seeking immediate medical assistance after methanol ingestion is vital for survival prospects. He stated: “You can ease all affects if you get to hospital early enough and that hospital has the treatment needed.” He added: “You can die from a very small proportion of methanol and you can survive from a quite substantial one, if you get to help.” He concluded that “The most important antidote is regular alcohol.” MSF reports that most methanol poisoning incidents occur in Asia, with additional cases observed in Africa and Latin America. Travellers are advised to be informed about their beverages and cognizant of associated risks. It is recommended to consume drinks from established, licensed venues and to steer clear of homemade or illicit spirits. Methanol forms during the brewing process and becomes concentrated through distillation. Legitimate commercial producers decrease its concentration to levels deemed safe for human intake. Nevertheless, unethical home brewers or other entities within the distribution chain might occasionally incorporate industrially manufactured methanol to extend product volume and boost earnings. Dr Hovda noted that methanol is blended into alcohol “mostly for profit reasons, because it’s cheaper and easily available.” Furthermore, elevated concentrations of methanol can result from microbial contamination during conventional ethanol fermentation. The UK Foreign Office counsels travellers: “Take care if offered, particularly for free, or when buying spirit-based drinks. If labels, smell or taste seem wrong then do not drink.” Potentially compromised beverages may encompass: To safeguard against methanol poisoning: Promptly seek emergency medical care if you or a travel companion exhibit symptoms of methanol poisoning. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.