Deaths caused by counterfeit alcohol have been increasing recently. Dozens of people have died from counterfeit alcohol in Istanbul and Ankara, with dozens more in intensive care and some intubated.
Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Sait Keleş, drawing attention to the dangers of counterfeit alcohol and explaining the destructive effects of methanol on human health, stated that rapid intervention is vital in methanol poisoning.
Prof. Dr. Keleş stated that in methanol poisoning, commonly known as 'counterfeit alcohol,' symptoms initially resemble normal alcohol poisoning. He added, “After about an hour, symptoms begin to change. Alcohol is absorbed almost 100% and dissolved in the blood, then transported to all organs.”
Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Sait Keleş, Head of the Department of Medical Biochemistry at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, drew attention to the dangers of counterfeit alcohol and explained the destructive effects of methanol on human health.
Methanol poisoning occurs very rapidly
Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Sait Keleş stated that methanol poisoning, commonly referred to as 'counterfeit alcohol,' is frequently encountered recently. He explained, “Because methanol is slightly cheaper and easier to produce than ethanol, which is used in alcohol production, it is used in homemade or what we call 'under-the-counter' productions. The most important feature of methanol poisoning, commonly known as counterfeit alcohol, is the substances methanol transforms into after entering the body. These are the actual poisons, and they transform very rapidly. Initially, it converts into a substance called formaldehyde. Then, it transforms into another substance called formic acid. We use formaldehyde for pathological examinations, to fix tissues. In other words, we use it to break them down.”
Initially resembles normal alcohol poisoning
Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Sait Keleş stated that in the initial stages of methanol poisoning, symptoms similar to those seen in individuals consuming normal alcohol may occur, such as “Nausea, vomiting, confusion, and slurred speech. Symptoms change towards the advanced stage. That is, after 1 hour, symptoms begin to change. Because alcohol starts to be absorbed through the mouth, but mostly from the stomach and upper part of the intestines. And it is absorbed almost 100%. Therefore, almost all of it takes effect. The amount in the blood is very important here. Because alcohol does not need to bind to any other substance to be transported in the blood. It dissolves directly in water, meaning it dissolves in the blood and is transported to all organs.”
What to do in case of poisoning?
Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Sait Keleş, stating that rapid intervention is vital in methanol poisoning, made the following recommendations:
“-If less than an hour has passed, one should vomit quickly. But if more than 1 hour has passed, vomiting will not be beneficial.
-Drink water, although it may not be very effective. At least it will lower the level in the blood. It will reduce the concentration in the blood.”
Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Sait Keleş added that in such poisoning cases, one should apply to a hospital as soon as possible to receive medical support.