Methanol poisoning

Methanol poisoning occurs when a person ingests methanol, a type of alcohol found in industrial products like antifreeze and solvents. Unlike ethanol (found in beverages), methanol is toxic and can lead to serious health issues. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, blindness or even death. Methanol is metabolized in the body to formaldehyde and formic acid, which are harmful. Prompt medical treatment is crucial and may involve supportive care, medications, or in severe cases, dialysis to remove methanol from the bloodstream. Awareness and avoiding products containing methanol are key to prevention.