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Methyl alcohol (methanol, wood spirit) is used, for example, in the production of synthetic fibers. Although it does not differ in taste or smell from ethyl alcohol, it is much more toxic, although it is less narcotic. Methyl alcohol is released more slowly and burns incompletely, and very harmful metabolites are formed – formaldehyde and formic acid, which cause strong acidification of the body and damage to the optic nerves. Danger of blindness after 4–15 ml.
Methyl alcohol poisoning
Methyl alcohol (spirit) in itself does not harm our body, because it breaks down relatively quickly, so that its concentration in the blood is not high. In addition, it is widely used in various technical fields, e.g. for the production of dyes or solvents, even fuels for internal combustion engines. Methyl alcohol, despite its similarities to ethyl alcohol, is much more toxic because it is not completely excreted and its metabolites have serious consequences for health.
Methyl alcohol itself does not harm our body because it breaks down relatively quickly, which prevents its high concentration in the blood. Unfortunately, two substances are released during the metabolism of methyl alcohol: aldehyde and formic acid – both toxic. They mainly damage the central nervous system, kidneys, heart and liver.
Symptoms of methyl poisoning
How exactly does methyl alcohol get into the human body? This occurs most often in the alimentary or respiratory tract. The greatest amounts of alcohol are found in the most hydrated parts of the body. After methyl alcohol enters the human body, it breaks down into formic acid and formaldehyde, which are toxic compounds. Although it is not detectable about two hours after the absorption of methyl alcohol, the formic acid produced by its decomposition remains. Symptoms of poisoning appear at various times (from 1 hour to 24 hours). It depends on whether, in addition to methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol was also taken, which delays methanol conversion.
Initially, after methyl alcohol enters the body, there are:
- dizziness and headaches,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- stomach pain,
- weakness.
Over time, visual disturbances up to complete blindness, decreased blood pressure, body cold, decreased serum potassium, dyspnoea, cyanosis, convulsions are observed; death from paralysis of the respiratory system, edema of the brain or lungs, sometimes uremia.
Summarizing methyl alcohol poisoning, we can divide it into 3 stages:
- Narcotic phase (I)– in its course, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness and weakness are observed.
- Acidic phase (II) – the poisoned organism becomes acidic, which is characterized by abdominal pain, conjunctival bloodshots, low blood pressure and red skin.
- Central nervous system damage phase (III) – the patient begins to have vision problems, visual acuity is disturbed and agitation develops, which over time turns into weakness and coma. In addition, there are respiratory problems.
The patient’s death occurs due to: uremia, edema of the brain or lungs, paralysis of the respiratory system.
Treatment of methyl alcohol poisoning
The first action in people poisoned with methyl alcohol is inducing vomiting, administering orally sodium bicarbonate in the amount of up to 4 g every 1/2 hour and securing basic life functions. It is imperative that the patient is taken to hospital immediately for specialist treatment as early as possible. The treatment of the hospitalized patient covers, first of all hemodialysiswhich is designed to remove methanol from the body. This treatment should be carried out for 43-72 hours. from the moment of poisoning. This is due to the long period of oxidation of formic acid, which lasts about 3-4 days. In addition, it is administered to the patient via a drip ethanol in spirit or vodka. It is a natural antidote. Its properties help to prevent not only the formation, but also the accumulation of toxic substances in the body after ingesting methanol. The methyl alcohol is then excreted unchanged, which is much less toxic than its metabolites.
Remember to provide the body with the right amount of fluid. In case of alcohol poisoning, we recommend ecological tea based on the prickly pear flower.
It should be emphasized that as little as 8-10 g of methanol causes vision loss! Death occurs after drinking about 15 ml of this alcohol, although there have been reports in the past of people who died after consuming up to 600 ml of methanol. To avoid poisoning with methyl alcohol, you should avoid drinking alcohol of unknown origin.
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