Methanol poisoning

Methanol Poisoning

Methanol poisoning occurs when an individual is exposed to methanol, a toxic chemical compound also known as wood alcohol. Methanol is used in various industrial applications, including as a solvent, antifreeze, and fuel. However, due to its toxic properties, ingestion, inhalation, or dermal absorption of methanol can lead to serious health consequences, including death.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of methanol poisoning can vary depending on the amount of methanol ingested and the time elapsed since exposure. Initial symptoms may resemble those of ethanol intoxication, including headache, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination, and confusion. As methanol metabolism progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as respiratory distress, visual disturbances (including blindness), metabolic acidosis, and in severe cases, coma and death.

Diagnosis of methanol poisoning is primarily based on the history of exposure and clinical presentation. Laboratory tests can confirm the diagnosis by detecting methanol or its metabolites in the blood. An elevated anion gap and metabolic acidosis in blood tests are indicative of methanol poisoning.

Treatment

Treatment of methanol poisoning is aimed at preventing methanol metabolism, correcting acidosis, and removing methanol and its metabolites from the body. Administration of Ethanol or Fomepizole is the cornerstone of treatment, as both agents act as competitive inhibitors of alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing methanol into its toxic metabolites. In addition, bicarbonate may be administered to correct metabolic acidosis, and hemodialysis can be used to remove methanol and its metabolites from the blood.

Prevention

Prevention of methanol poisoning involves proper labeling and storage of methanol-containing products, education on the dangers of methanol ingestion, and adherence to safety protocols in industrial settings where methanol is used. In cases of accidental ingestion, immediate medical attention is crucial.

Epidemiology

Methanol poisoning can occur in both individual and mass poisoning scenarios. Outbreaks of methanol poisoning are often associated with the consumption of adulterated alcoholic beverages. In regions where access to ethanol is restricted, methanol may be used as a cheaper alternative, leading to accidental poisonings.