Incidents of methanol poisoning have made headlines this year, and with it being potentially fatal, one travel insurer is sharing tips on how to avoid it–and what to do if it happens.
Cover-More’s regional chief medical officer for APAC Neil Slabbert says the group has seen methanol poisoning cases rise in recent years, including the deaths of some unsuspecting travellers. “Unfortunately, alcohol production can be unregulated in some countries, which means counterfeit or illicitly produced alcohol could end up for sale–and in the hands of travellers,” he says. And this he says, can kill if there are delays in getting medical help
What Is Methanol?
Imported commercial spirits can be expensive for local businesses, so some turn to home-made alcohol which can be made cheaply using the chemical methanol. Typically alcohol such as gin and vodka is made using ethanol. Methanol is cheaper and it looks the same, but it’s not made for consumption. In fact, it’s typically used for varnish, antifreeze and to make plastics and paint. “As soon as you’re aware you’ve consumed it or symptoms start to show, call the local emergency services,” he adds.
. . . Warning
Agents may like to warn clients that those suffering from methanol poisoning will initially feel tipsy, then drowsy and unsteady, with this then moving to fading in and out of consciousness, visual disturbances, headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain and vertigo. Breathlessness and hyperventilation follows, and after this there is a risk of blindness. There are long-term effects as well, from permanent vision problems and kidney failure, to, in the most severe cases, coma, convulsions, respiratory issues and death, adds the insurer.
. . . Avoiding It
Cover-More warns that there’s no sure-way to avoid methanol poisoning completely, sans being sober, but it does have some tips.
These include never leaving your drink unattended, only buying alcohol from reputable venues and shops, avoiding pre-mixed bucket-type cocktails or shots, and avoiding drinks from market stalls or informal stores. Those buying bottled drinks should check seals are intact and labels are correct.
It’s also worth checking the prices, adds Cover-More. If the drink or bottle of spirits is much cheaper than what you would pay at home, it is most likely a homebrew, and it’s probably best to stay right away from drinking it, warns the insurer.
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