Three people have died from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming tainted alcohol in Laos. Two Danes and an American man have also died, though their exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
A tourist from New Zealand also required treatment after consuming the tainted drink.
The U.S. State Department is now warning those who plan on travelling to Laos to be ‘aware of the potential risk of methanol poisoning.’
What is Methanol?
There are three main types of alcohol: isopropyl, ethanol, and methanol. Isopropanol is the main ingredient in hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol while ethanol is intended for human consumption.
On the other hand, methanol, also known as ‘wood alcohol’ as it’s produced by the distillation of wood, is a type of alcohol that’s often used in antifreeze, solvents, and fuel.
Unlike ethanol, it is not meant for human consumption. In fact, drinking just 25 ml of methanol can lead be fatal without prompt medical intervention.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning include dizziness, headaches, nausea, blurred vision, vomiting, and decreased consciousness. It can also cause seizures and comas.
If you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of methanol poisoning, seek medical help right away. With proper treatment, it can be successfully treated, especially if it’s caught in the early stages.
According to Alastair Hay, a toxicologist from the University of Leeds, different people will have different responses to methanol due to their varying capacities of detox enzymes. While some people may be able to tolerate small amounts of methanol, others may find themselves in critical condition after just one sip.
Why is Methanol In Drinks?
While methanol is not meant for human consumption, it is sometimes added to mixed drinks by unscrupulous bars to give them a ‘kick’. It also allows the bars to save money as methanol is much cheaper than rum or vodka, which is often used in more expensive ethanol-based drinks.
While the recent cases occurred in Laos, this practice is not specific to Southeast Asia, but occurs in many places where the cost of legitimate alcohol is high.
Methanol is also a normal byproduct of ethanol production, meaning it can easily end up in the mix, especially in places without strict controls such as Southeast Asia.
Protecting Yourself From Methanol Poisoning
The best way to protect yourself from methanol poisoning is by not drinking it. Seeing as how it’s odorless, tasteless, and colorless, however, that can be difficult.
Given that, it’s best not to consume any alcoholic drinks from unlicensed stores or bars, especially when travelling. Rather, you should only purchase beverages – ones with intact bottle seals – from licensed bars. Avoid those with poor quality labels and misspellings.
Also be wary of the price. If a drink seems to be too cheap, it’s likely too good to be true.
Rather than homemade brews, opt for canned beer, wine, cider, and duty-free products instead as they are less likely to be contaminated.
