Suspected methanol poisoning from tainted drinks has reportedly killed six tourists in Laos this past week. Reports suggest that they may have consumed beverages contaminated with methanol, a deadly substance often found in illegal alcohol. Methanol poisoning is a recognised issue across Southeast Asia, specifically in poorer countries along the Mekong River. However, even though foreign governments raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption in these areas, there is still little awareness within the backpacker party scene.
Methanol is an industrial chemical commonly found in products such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. It is highly toxic if consumed and its alcohol-like flavour and colourless nature make methanol hard to detect in drinks. Additionally, symptoms don’t arise immediately, they may appear up to 72 hours after consumption. Even a small dose of 25 ml (half a shot) can be lethal.
The initial signs are similar to those of alcohol consumption, including dizziness, reduced consciousness, vomiting, and blurred vision, so it’s often hard for people to tell that something is wrong.
Alcohol is commonly made with ethanol, which is metabolised into a chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is toxic but is rapidly converted into acetate (found in vinegar). Although generating an acid sounds dangerous, the body uses acetate for several essential processes, such as energy production. On the other hand, methanol is metabolised into formaldehyde (a chemical used to embalm bodies and industrial glues). Formaldehyde is then converted into formic acid, the chemical responsible for the pain caused by some ant bites.
As a result of this mechanism, methanol exposure leads to metabolic acidosis, a condition in which there is a dangerous accumulation of acid in the body. Unlike acetate, which the body utilises, formic acid poisons the mitochondria. This damage can lead to coma by harming nerves and organs, and, if not treated, it eventually results in death.
Both fomepizole and ethanol serve as antidotes by preventing and slowing down methanol breakdown. This allows the body to excrete methanol through the lungs, kidneys, and sweat. If that is not enough, the antidote gives doctors time to perform dialysis, which further aids methanol removal. Even though treatment is available, it is imperative to treat methanol poisoning as quickly as possible, before methanol starts breaking down.
The issue of methanol poisoning arises from alcohol suppliers exploiting an environment with low law enforcement and almost no regulation in the food and hospitality industries, often due to low pay. Producers use methanol instead of ethanol as it is cheaper and creates a seemingly stronger drink. Home-brewed alcohol can also unintentionally generate methanol, depending on the microbes and types of plant materials used in the fermentation process.
So, how can one avoid methanol poisoning while travelling? The main advice is to know what you are drinking, drink from reputable, licensed premises, and avoid home-brewed drinks and bootlegged spirits. A good way to check is by ensuring that bottle seals are intact and that labels have good print quality.
Photo by Sérgio Alves Santos on Unsplash