Up to this Wednesday (1st), São Paulo authorities confirmed seven cases of methanol poisoning directly associated with the consumption of adulterated beverages. Another 15 episodes remain under investigation by the Civil Police, and to date, five deaths have been recorded.
The wave of contamination cases has raised the alarm about the dangers of methanol and sparked public questions: what is this substance, how does it act in the human body, and how can signs of adulteration be identified before consumption.
What is methanol
According to the Terra portal, methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, is an organic compound from the alcohol family, with the chemical formula CH₃OH. It is a toxic, colorless, flammable liquid mainly produced from natural gas.
Although it has various industrial applications, such as antifreeze, solvent, and raw material for producing plastics, paints, coatings, and biodiesel, methanol should never be ingested under any circumstances.
Effects on the body
Upon entering the human body, methanol is metabolized into highly toxic substances, such as formaldehyde and formic acid. These compounds attack the nervous system and can cause anything from dizziness and headaches to severe cases of irreversible blindness, coma, and death.
Even small amounts are sufficient to cause permanent damage. This is exactly what happened in the recent São Paulo cases, where ingesting minimal doses has already led to confirmed deaths.
How to identify adulterated beverages
Experts warn that identifying methanol in adulterated beverages is not simple, as the compound is colorless and its taste easily blends with that of ethanol, naturally present in alcoholic drinks. However, there are some signs that can help consumers become suspicious:
• Price much below market: values significantly lower than the average may indicate adulteration.
• Absence of official registration: beverages without the Federal Revenue seal or proper labeling are high risk.
• Dubious origin: products sold in unreliable places, such as makeshift fairs or by street vendors, should be avoided.
• Strange taste and odor: any perceptible change can be a warning, although methanol often has no characteristic smell.
A public health problem
Methanol poisoning is a problem that extends beyond individual health, affecting the entire public health sphere. Authorities recommend that consumers pay attention to the origin of beverages and report suspected cases.
Source: brasil247.com