Methanol Poisoning : Six Tourists Lost Their Lives
Six tourists tragically lost their lives in Laos due to suspected methanol poisoning which has raised global alarm.
- 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.
- Methanol’s 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.
- It 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.
- Methanol poisoning can indeed be fatal if left untreated. The toxic byproducts lead to complications.
- 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.
