Methanol, popularly known as wood alcohol, is an industrial chemical highly used in antifreeze, in the production of solvents, and in the preparation of fuels. Highly toxic, methanol, unlike ethanol-this is the alcohol used in drinks-is extremely harmful to health upon consumption, even in small quantities.
Why is Methanol Difficult to Detect in Drinks?
Methanol is colorless and odorless, with a taste almost indistinguishable from ethanol. This makes the compound virtually impossible to detect through eye sight, smell, or taste. It inadvertently adulterates alcoholic drinks due to poor distillation or on purpose as an additive to strengthen alcoholic contents in either counterfeit or home-brewed drinks.
In southeast Asia and other popular tourist destinations, methanol can be found in alcoholic drinks for two main reasons.
Firstly, it is cheaper than ethanol, so it is sometimes added instead to save costs, before the counterfeit alcohol is bottled and sold in shops and bars.
Alternatively, it can occur by accident when alcohol is homemade – something common across southeast Asia.
When alcohol is distilled and fermented without the appropriate monitoring, it can sometimes produce methanol in toxic quantities.
Because it is impossible to tell the difference between methanol and ethanol content without specialist equipment – homemade drinks are often offered to tourists without anyone knowing how dangerous they are.
Effects of Methanol Poisoning
Methanol is metabolized in the body into formic acid and formaldehyde, both highly toxic substances, upon ingestion. The onset of effects appears after some hours and is characterized by the following:
Mild Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting.
Severe Symptoms: Loss of vision possibly leading to blindness, confusion, seizures, and death in extreme cases.
Prevention of Methanol Poisoning
Prevention of methanol poisoning is important, especially in regions where counterfeit alcohol is widespread. Here’s how to protect yourself:
1. Buy Alcohol from Licensed Ones: Always purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed vendors. Avoid unbranded or homemade alcohol, as these have a higher chance of being adulterated.
2. Authenticate Seals: Tamper-evident seals and labels on bottles are a must. Counterfeit products usually have poorly printed labels, odd-shaped bottles, or incorrect information.
3. Beware of Homemade Alcohol: Homemade distillation processes can lead to high methanol levels if improperly conducted. If consuming homemade alcohol, ensure it’s prepared by someone experienced and knowledgeable about safe distillation practices.
4. Use Methanol Testing Kits: In areas where methanol poisoning is a common risk, consider using methanol testing kits. These are inexpensive and can quickly identify methanol contamiation.
5. Raise Awareness: Inform others about the risks of methanol and the ways to identify safe alcoholic beverages. Risks can be considerably reduced when there is awareness within the community.
6. Watch for Symptoms After Consumption: Watch for sudden onset visual disturbances, confusion, severe abdominal pain, and other signs of intoxication immediately after drinking.
