In a post on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s X account on Tuesday, officials highlighted the dangers of methanol consumption, regardless of quantity. « Methanol poisoning can happen with as little as 10ml, which can rapidly cause serious illness, and only 30ml can kill, » the alert reads, cautioning that symptoms including dizziness, vertigo and amnesia may not manifest for 12 to 24 hours.
Methanol is a poisonous alcohol that occasionally appears in improperly manufactured alcoholic beverages, especially in nations with less stringent controls. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is frequently consumed inadvertently through contaminated spirits or fake alcohol, and represents a principal cause of toxic alcohol incidents worldwide.
Following ingestion, methanol breaks down into formaldehyde and formic acid, both of which prove extremely harmful to the central nervous system and essential organs.
According to a review in Clinical Toxicology, methanol poisoning can trigger metabolic acidosis, visual impairment, and irreversible blindness without prompt treatment.
The Foreign Office recommends that travellers take the following steps: if you suspect methanol exposure, seek immediate medical assistance and be aware of symptoms that may manifest several hours later.
Early symptoms include headaches, nausea and vomiting, often succeeded by more serious effects such as blurred vision or difficulty walking.
According to the NHS, if left untreated, poisoning can result in a coma or even death. If detected early enough, treatment typically involves ethanol or fomepizole, which inhibit the toxic metabolites of methanol whilst the body expels it. In severe instances, dialysis may be necessary to extract methanol and formic acid from the bloodstream.
Whilst methanol poisoning is uncommon in the UK, there have been incidents linked to tainted alcohol. Public Health England emphasises that awareness and swift action are crucial in preventing severe damage.
Experts advise travellers to only drink alcohol from trustworthy sources and sealed bottles. If symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, or memory loss occur within a day of drinking, seek medical help immediately. Prompt intervention can be lifesaving.
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