Prof. Mevlüt Sait Keleş evaluates deaths caused by counterfeit alcohol…
In recent times, deaths caused by counterfeit alcohol have been on the rise. In Istanbul and Ankara, dozens of people have lost their lives due to counterfeit alcohol, while many others are in intensive care, some of whom are intubated.
Highlighting the dangers of counterfeit alcohol and explaining the devastating effects of methanol on human health, Prof. Mevlüt Sait Keleş emphasized that rapid intervention is crucial in cases of methanol poisoning.
Prof. Keleş noted that in cases of methanol poisoning, which is commonly referred to as “counterfeit alcohol” among the public, the initial symptoms resemble those of regular alcohol poisoning. He stated that “After about an hour, the symptoms begin to change. Alcohol is absorbed almost entirely and dissolves in the blood, spreading to all organs.”
As the Head of the Department of Medical Biochemistry at Üsküdar University, Prof. Mevlüt Sait Keleş warned about the dangers of counterfeit alcohol and detailed the destructive effects of methanol on human health.
Methanol poisoning develops very rapidly
Prof. Mevlüt Sait Keleş pointed out that methanol poisoning, known as “counterfeit alcohol poisoning,” has been encountered frequently in recent times. He explained, “Methanol is slightly cheaper and easier to produce than ethanol, which is used in alcohol production. Therefore, it is used in homemade or unregulated, illicit production sites.
The most critical aspect of methanol poisoning, commonly referred to as counterfeit alcohol poisoning, is the substances that methanol transforms into after entering the body. These substances are the actual toxins, and they transform very quickly. Initially, methanol converts into formaldehyde, which then turns into formic acid. Formaldehyde is a substance we use in pathology to preserve tissues, meaning it essentially breaks them down.”
Initially resembles regular alcohol poisoning
Prof. Mevlüt Sait Keleş explained that, in the early stages, the symptoms of methanol poisoning resemble those experienced by individuals who have consumed regular alcohol. “Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, and slurred speech may occur. However, as time progresses, the symptoms change.
After about an hour, the effects begin to differ. Alcohol starts to be absorbed through the mouth, but it is primarily absorbed in the upper part of the stomach and intestines. Nearly 100% of the alcohol is absorbed, meaning almost all of it has an effect. The amount present in the bloodstream is crucial. Unlike other substances, alcohol does not need to bind to anything else to be transported in the blood, and it dissolves directly in water, meaning it is carried to all organs through the bloodstream.”
What should be done in case of poisoning?
Emphasizing the importance of rapid intervention in methanol poisoning cases, Prof. Mevlüt Sait Keleş offered the following recommendations:
“If less than an hour has passed since consumption, the person should try to vomit immediately. However, if more than an hour has passed, vomiting will not be effective.
Drinking water, although not highly effective, may still help reduce the concentration of methanol in the blood.”
Prof. Mevlüt Sait Keleş also stressed that in such poisoning cases, individuals should seek medical attention as soon as possible and receive professional treatment.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)