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Methanol is a non-drinking type of alcohol used for industrial and automotive purposes. This article discusses poisoning from an overdose of methanol.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Alternative NamesWood alcohol poisoning
Poisonous IngredientMethyl alcohol
Where Found- Antifreeze
- Canned heating sources
- Copy machine fluids
- Deicing fluid
- Fuel additives (octane boosters)
- Paint remover or thinner
- Shellac
- Varnish
- Windshield wiper fluid
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
SymptomsSymptoms may include:
- Airway and lungs
- Breathing difficulty
- No breathing
- Eyes
- Blindness
- Blurred vision
- Dilation of the pupils
- Heart and blood
- Convulsions
- Low blood pressure
- Nervous system
- Agitated behavior
- Coma
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Seizures
- Skin and nails
- Bluish-colored lips and fingernails
- Stomach and intestines
- Abdominal pain (severe)
- Diarrhea
- Liver function problems
- Nausea
- Pancreatitis
- Vomiting
- Other
- Fatigue
- Leg cramps
- Weakness
Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.
Before Calling EmergencyDetermine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
See: Poison control center - emergency number
What to expect at the emergency roomThe health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:
- Dialysis
- Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison (fomepizole or ethanol)
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Tube through the nose or mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
- Oxygen and breathing support
- Other medications (folinic acid, bicarbonate)
Methanol is extremely poisonous. As little as 2 tablespoons can be deadly to a child. About 2 to 8 ounces can be deadly for an adult. The ultimate outcome depends on how much poison was swallowed and how soon treatment was received.
ReferencesGoldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2006.
Marx J. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006: 2395-2398.
What else can I help you with?
Could you die from methanol poisoning?
Yes, methanol poisoning can be fatal if not treated promptly. Methanol is metabolized by the body into toxic byproducts that can cause damage to the central nervous system, respiratory system, and other organs. If you suspect methanol poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
How can one prevent methanol poisoning through skin exposure?
To prevent methanol poisoning through skin exposure, it is important to wear protective gloves and clothing when handling methanol. Additionally, it is crucial to wash any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water if contact occurs.
What is methanol classified as?
Methanol is classified as a toxic alcohol. It is commonly used as a solvent, antifreeze, and fuel, but can be extremely harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Methanol poisoning can result in serious health effects, including blindness and organ damage.
What are the potential health risks associated with the presence of methanol in beer?
The potential health risks associated with the presence of methanol in beer include symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, methanol poisoning which can lead to blindness, organ damage, and even death. It is important to consume alcoholic beverages in moderation and be aware of the potential risks of methanol contamination.
Why is methanol toxic and what are the potential health risks associated with its ingestion?
Methanol is toxic because it is metabolized in the body to formaldehyde and formic acid, which can cause damage to tissues and organs. Ingesting methanol can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, it can cause blindness, seizures, coma, and even death. Immediate medical attention is crucial if methanol poisoning is suspected.
Could you die from methanol poisoning?
Yes, methanol poisoning can be fatal if not treated promptly. Methanol is metabolized by the body into toxic byproducts that can cause damage to the central nervous system, respiratory system, and other organs. If you suspect methanol poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
Is methanol blindness permanent?
Yes, methanol blindness can be permanent if not treated promptly and effectively. Methanol poisoning can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if methanol poisoning is suspected to prevent long-term consequences.
How can one prevent methanol poisoning through skin exposure?
To prevent methanol poisoning through skin exposure, it is important to wear protective gloves and clothing when handling methanol. Additionally, it is crucial to wash any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water if contact occurs.
What is methanol classified as?
Methanol is classified as a toxic alcohol. It is commonly used as a solvent, antifreeze, and fuel, but can be extremely harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Methanol poisoning can result in serious health effects, including blindness and organ damage.
How is alcohol ingested?
Alcohol is normally ingested orally. On rare occasions it is administered intravenously, usually to treat methanol poisoning.
What are the potential health risks associated with the presence of methanol in beer?
The potential health risks associated with the presence of methanol in beer include symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, methanol poisoning which can lead to blindness, organ damage, and even death. It is important to consume alcoholic beverages in moderation and be aware of the potential risks of methanol contamination.
Why is methanol toxic and what are the potential health risks associated with its ingestion?
Methanol is toxic because it is metabolized in the body to formaldehyde and formic acid, which can cause damage to tissues and organs. Ingesting methanol can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, it can cause blindness, seizures, coma, and even death. Immediate medical attention is crucial if methanol poisoning is suspected.
How does ethanol treat methanol poisoning?
Methanol isn't actually poisonous, but the chemicals produced when your body metabolises methanol are. The enzymes that metabolise methanol also metabolise ethanol, but when both are present the ethanol is processed first. Methanol is also removed from the body via the lungs, sweat glands and in urine. Giving ethanol prevents the toxic by products of metabolism whilst these other methods remove the methanol from their system. This treatment only works if given early. It does not reverse the the damage done by methanol that has already been metabolised.
Why intake of methanol in very small quantities can cause death?
When methanol is ingested, it is metabolized by the body into toxic byproducts that can cause severe metabolic acidosis and damage the optic nerve, leading to blindness or death. Even small amounts of methanol can be lethal due to its toxicity and the body's limited ability to metabolize it safely. Immediate medical treatment is necessary to prevent severe complications and death from methanol poisoning.
What does Methanol do to your body?
Methanol is toxic to the body when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, as it gets converted into formaldehyde and formic acid. This can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, blindness, seizures, and even death. Immediate medical attention is crucial in cases of methanol poisoning.
What is a lethal dose of alcohol?
What constitutes a minimum lethal dose of methanol depends on a number of factors. However, if alcohol poisoning is ever suspected, medical help should be obtained immediately.
Is methanol an acid?
Yes, methanol is a weak acid.
