Methanol's Hidden Toll: Thousands Die From Poisoned Drinks

Methanol, a cheap and dangerous relative of ethanol, is increasingly contaminating the alcohol supply chain globally, leading to a hidden crisis of thousands of deaths. Ingesting as little as 10ml can cause permanent blindness, with 30ml proving lethal. The substance often finds its way into illicit or expensive spirits, particularly where alcohol faces legal or cultural taboos.

Experts estimate that suspected methanol poisoning incidents have affected over 41,000 people in nearly 80 countries, resulting in over 14,600 deaths, though these figures are considered only the tip of the iceberg. Symptoms can mimic other illnesses, making identification difficult, and outbreaks are sporadic, leading to a lack of institutional knowledge among medical professionals.

The problem is compounded by misconceptions, as methanol can contaminate officially supplied spirits, not just home-brewed liquor. While treatable with antidotes like fomepizole or even ethanol if administered early, the biggest death toll is among vulnerable local populations, with significant documented fatalities in countries like Iran, India, and Turkey.