What is methanol and why might it have been in tourists' drinks?

In Laos, two Australian teenagers and a British woman died from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming contaminated alcohol. In addition, an American man and two Danish individuals also died, although the specific causes of their deaths have not been released. A New Zealander also experienced symptoms and is currently receiving treatment. These incidents have raised serious concerns about alcohol safety.

The U.S. State Department has issued a warning to travelers, reminding them to "be aware of the potential risk of methanol poisoning." So, what exactly is methanol? And how can we avoid methanol poisoning? Methanol, commonly known as wood alcohol, is a byproduct of wood distillation and is often used as fuel and as a component in products like antifreeze and solvents. Unlike ethanol (the main component of consumable alcohol) and isopropyl alcohol (the main component of rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers), methanol is not safe for human consumption.

According to the Methanol Institute, ingesting 25 to 90 milliliters of methanol can be fatal without proper medical treatment, but it can be successfully treated if detected and addressed promptly. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that methanol poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, decreased consciousness (including coma), seizures, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. The center advises seeking immediate medical attention if methanol poisoning is suspected.

Alastair Hay, a toxicologist at the University of Leeds in the UK, stated, "Individuals react differently to methanol. Some may be more tolerant than others due to differences in our enzyme detoxification capabilities. A small amount of methanol could be fatal to some, while others may be able to tolerate more." He emphasized that the risk of methanol poisoning should not be ignored, as even small amounts can have serious consequences.

So, why does non-consumable methanol end up in drinks? Some unscrupulous businesses sometimes deliberately add methanol to mixed drinks to enhance their "kick" and to save on the cost of using more expensive ethanol-based spirits (such as vodka or rum). The Methanol Institute points out that this practice is not unique to Laos or Southeast Asia, and can occur wherever legal alcohol taxes are too high or costs are too prohibitive. In addition, methanol can also end up in drinks as a normal byproduct of the distillation process in unregulated home distilleries.

How can you avoid methanol poisoning? The answer is simple: do not consume alcoholic beverages containing methanol. However, methanol is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, so identifying it can be challenging. Following the poisoning incidents in Laos, the UK Foreign Office advised purchasing alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores, buying drinks only from licensed bars and hotels, always checking that bottle seals are intact, and inspecting labels for poor print quality or spelling errors. The Methanol Institute notes that canned beer, cider, wine, premixed drinks, and duty-free products are often safer and less likely to be adulterated. The institute also urges people to be wary of homemade alcohol, free drinks, or drinks priced well below normal levels.