Travelers warned after methanol poisoning deaths in Laos

Methanol, an industrial chemical commonly found in products like antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, has been linked to the deaths of six tourists in Laos. These incidents highlight the dangers of consuming contaminated or counterfeit alcoholic beverages, which can contain lethal amounts of methanol.

The UK Foreign Office has issued a warning to travelers, advising caution when offered spirit-based drinks, especially for free or when the label, taste, or smell seems suspicious.

What is methanol and why is it dangerous?

Methanol is not meant for human consumption and is highly toxic. While it looks and tastes similar to ethanol—the alcohol found in beverages—even a small amount can cause serious harm.

The initial effects of methanol mimic alcohol intoxication, making it difficult for individuals to recognize the danger. However, as the body metabolizes methanol in the liver, toxic by-products such as formaldehyde, formate, and formic acid accumulate, causing severe damage.

Dr. Christopher Morris, a senior lecturer at Newcastle University, explained:
“Formate, which is the main toxin produced, acts in a similar way to cyanide and stops energy production in cells, and the brain seems to be very vulnerable to this. This leads to certain parts of the brain being damaged. The eyes are also directly affected, and this can cause blindness, which is found in many people exposed to high levels of methanol.”

Methanol poisoning can lead to symptoms such as:

• Significant intoxication and nausea
• Diminished reflexes
• Blindness
• Coma

How is methanol poisoning treated?

Methanol poisoning is a medical emergency that requires immediate hospital treatment. Therapies include administering ethanol, which slows methanol’s toxic metabolism by acting as a competitive inhibitor. Dialysis is also used to cleanse the blood.

Prof. Alastair Hay, an expert in environmental toxicology from the University of Leeds, described ethanol’s role in treatment:
“Ethanol acts as a competitive inhibitor, largely preventing methanol breakdown but markedly slowing it down, allowing the body to vent methanol from the lungs, kidneys, and a little through sweat.”

Dr. Knut Erik Hovda of Médecins Sans Frontières stressed the importance of timely intervention:
“You can ease all effects if you get to a hospital early enough and that hospital has the treatment needed. The most important antidote is regular alcohol.”

Where do methanol poisonings happen?

Methanol poisoning is most common in Asia but also occurs in parts of Africa and Latin America. The problem often arises from bootleg spirits or home-brewed alcohol, where methanol is either unintentionally produced or deliberately added to increase profits.

Dr. Hovda noted:
“Methanol is mixed into alcohol mostly for profit reasons, because it’s cheaper and easily available.”

Unsanitary brewing practices can also result in high methanol levels due to contamination during traditional ethanol fermentation.

How travelers can protect themselves

To avoid methanol poisoning, travelers should follow these precautions:

• Purchase alcohol only from licensed liquor stores and bars.
• Avoid home-brewed or bootleg spirits.
• Check bottle seals and labels for tampering or poor print quality.
• Be cautious of free drinks or cocktails made with unknown ingredients.

Signs of methanol poisoning

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are traveling with experiences symptoms such as:

• Severe nausea or dizziness
• Blurred vision or blindness
• Confusion or difficulty breathing

By staying vigilant and informed, travelers can minimize the risk of methanol poisoning and ensure their safety while abroad.