A string of deaths in Laos tied to tainted alcohol has raised global alarm and renewed concerns about methanol poisoning from alcoholic drinks. Last week, six tourists tragically lost their lives in Laos due to suspected methanol poisoning, as reported by the Associated Press. Among the victims were two Australians, two Danes, one Briton, and one American. Most of those who died were young adults between the ages of 19 and 20. This incident follows a similar tragedy in southern India in June, where at least 56 people perished after consuming methanol-laced liquor. Methanol poisoning is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that arises when methanol—a type of alcohol widely used in industrial applications—is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. While methanol itself is relatively harmless in its original form, its toxic effects emerge after the body metabolises it into harmful compounds like formaldehyde and formic acid. These byproducts can wreak havoc on the nervous system, optic nerves, and other vital organs. How does alcohol cause methanol poisoning? Methanol poisoning typically occurs when counterfeit or illicit alcohol, often containing methanol, is consumed instead of ethanol—the type of alcohol found in beverages. In the body, methanol is metabolised by the liver enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase into formaldehyde and then into formic acid, both of which are toxic, explained Dr Nishant Singh, Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension. Ethanol, however, competes for the same enzyme, acting as a temporary antidote by slowing down methanol metabolism. Is methanol poisoning fatal? Methanol poisoning can indeed be fatal if left untreated. The toxic byproducts lead to complications, Dr Singh said, such as: Metabolic Acidosis: A dangerous drop in blood pH levels. Optic Nerve Damage: Potentially resulting in partial or complete blindness. Central Nervous System Depression: Causing confusion, coma, or death. The severity of these effects depends on the amount of methanol consumed and the timeliness of medical intervention. Preventing methanol poisoning Prevention is key to reducing the incidence of methanol poisoning, Dr Singh noted. Here are some effective measures: Avoid Non-Drinkable Alcohol: Never consume industrial alcohol or alcoholic beverages from unverified sources, as they may contain methanol. Regulated Alcohol Sales: Governments should ensure the production and sale of alcohol adhere to safety standards to eliminate harmful levels of methanol. Public Awareness: Educate communities about the dangers of consuming illicit or counterfeit alcohol. Methanol Screening: Regular testing of alcoholic products in unregulated markets can help identify and prevent contaminated beverages from reaching consumers. Seek Prompt Medical Care: If methanol poisoning is suspected, immediate medical attention can be life-saving. Methanol poisoning is a preventable but dangerous condition. Public awareness, stringent regulations, and timely medical intervention are crucial to managing its risks. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
