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

A suspected methanol poisoning incident recently occurred in Laos, tragically resulting in the deaths of two Australian teenagers and a British woman. Reports indicate they may have consumed substandard alcoholic beverages containing methanol. This incident underscores the critical importance of alcohol safety regulations and awareness.

In addition to the aforementioned individuals, an American man and two Danes have also passed away, although the specific causes of their deaths have not yet been released. Furthermore, a New Zealander has fallen ill with suspected poisoning. The U.S. State Department has issued a warning to travelers, urging them to be "vigilant about the potential risk of methanol poisoning." These incidents highlight the dangers of consuming unregulated alcohol.

There are primarily three types of alcohol: ethanol, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol. Ethanol is the component found in alcoholic beverages typically consumed by consumers and is the only type of alcohol permitted for consumption. Isopropyl alcohol is the main ingredient in rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers. Methanol, commonly known as wood alcohol, is a byproduct of wood distillation and is often used as fuel, antifreeze, and solvents. Understanding the differences between these alcohols is crucial for safety.

According to data from the Methanol Institute, ingesting as little as 25 to 90 milliliters of methanol can be fatal without proper medical treatment. However, methanol poisoning can be successfully treated if detected early. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that methanol poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion (including coma), seizures, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. The CDC recommends seeking immediate medical attention if methanol poisoning is suspected. Early intervention is key to a positive outcome.

Alastair Hay, a toxicologist at the University of Leeds in the UK, stated, "Individuals react differently to methanol. Some people tolerate methanol better than others because the detoxification capacity of enzymes varies in each of us. But a small amount of methanol can be fatal to some, while others may tolerate more." This variability underscores the unpredictable nature of methanol poisoning.

Some unscrupulous bar operators sometimes deliberately add methanol to mixed drinks to enhance the drink's "kick" and 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, but can occur anywhere where legal alcohol is taxed excessively or the cost of legal alcohol is too high. Economic factors can unfortunately drive dangerous practices.

Methanol is also a normal byproduct of the distillation process used to produce ethanol. In unregulated home distilleries (common in poorer countries), methanol can end up mixed into drinking alcohol. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages from unknown sources. Consumers should exercise caution when purchasing and consuming alcohol.

How can methanol poisoning be avoided? Because methanol is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, identification can be challenging. Guidance issued by the UK Foreign Office following the poisoning incidents in Laos advises purchasing alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores, buying drinks only from licensed bars and hotels, always checking that bottle seals are intact, and checking labels for poor print quality or spelling errors. Vigilance is essential to protect oneself.

The Methanol Institute notes that canned beer, cider, wine, pre-mixed drinks, and duty-free products are often safer and less likely to be adulterated. The association also urges people to be wary of homemade liquor, free drinks, or drinks priced far below normal levels. Choosing reputable brands and avoiding suspiciously cheap alcohol can significantly reduce risk.