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Methanol is an alcohol whose consumption is usually associated with severe poisoning. Methyl alcohol is produced for industrial purposes, it is a highly poisonous and toxic compound for humans. How Much Methanol Can Kill? How to recognize the first symptoms of methyl alcohol poisoning?
What is methanol?
From a chemical point of view, methanol is an organic chemical compound belonging to the group of alcohols. It was discovered in the XNUMXth century by Robert Boyle. At the beginning of the last century, methanol was obtained by the destructive distillation of wood. Nowadays, however, it is obtained synthetically, mainly by two methods from synthesis gas: the ICI method and the Lurga method. Methanol is the simplest compound from the group of alcohols and is present in the form of a colorless, volatile and flammable liquid. It dissolves well in water. Methanol is indistinguishable from ethyl alcohol by its appearance, taste and smell. Therefore, methanol poisoning may be unexpected.
What is the correct use of methanol?
Methanol is a compound that is produced for industrial purposes. It is most often used as a solvent in resins, dyes, paints and varnishes. Methanol also works well as a starting material for the synthesis of other organic compounds, such as fuel in internal combustion engines. In addition, methanol can be used in the production of explosives, in the production of cleaning preparations, photographic films or the synthesis of formaldehyde and acetic acid.
Methanol – lethal dose
Nowadays, methyl alcohol poisoning in Poland is rare. However, in media reports, there are reports of fatalities caused by the consumption of methanol. Methyl alcohol poisoning usually occurs when alcohol is consumed from an unknown source. The lethal dose of methanol depends on the predisposition of the organism, but it is assumed that on average it ranges from 30 to 150 ml.
Causes of methanol poisoning
The primary cause of methanol poisoning is methanol consumption. However, this reason may be due to various factors.
- Drinking methanol by people who abuse alcohol – in this case methanol is consumed consciously and unconsciously. Some people who are addicted to alcohol consciously use methanol because it is cheaper than ethanol. It is not uncommon for addicts to consume alcohol from an unknown and uncertain source, so they are not aware that they are drinking methanol.
- Accidental consumption of methanol by children – keep hazardous products out of the reach of children. The child may unknowingly reach for the solvent bottle and drink a few sips with curiosity.
- Inhaling methanol vapors or absorbing it through the skin – this especially applies to people working in places where methanol products are used – paints or solvents.
- Conscious drinking of methanol – it is possible, for example, for suicide purposes. Such cases are extremely rare.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning
Due to the fact that it is very difficult to distinguish methanol from ethanol, it is worth knowing the symptoms of methyl alcohol poisoning. The initial symptoms of methanol poisoning are no different from those that occur after ethanol poisoning. There is euphoria, imbalance, prolonged reaction time or impaired motor coordination. Symptoms characteristic of methanol concern the central nervous system, the organ of vision and the gastrointestinal tract. In case of methanol poisoning, headache, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain appear. In the next stage, there is a disturbance of consciousness, which ends in a coma or visual disturbances.
Methanol poisoning – treatment
Methanol poisoning is a life-threatening condition. If you suspect methyl alcohol poisoning, contact your doctor or a nearby hospital immediately. Treatment of methanol poisoning is based on maintaining basic life functions, administering antidotes and using methods that accelerate the elimination of methanol metabolites from the body.
In case of alcohol poisoning, drink Prickly Pear Tea.
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