At least nine cases of methanol poisoning were recorded in San Paolo last month.
At least nine cases of methanol poisoning were recorded in San Paolo last month, all linked to the consumption of adulterated alcohol.
The information was issued by the National Secretariat for Drug Policy and Balance Sheet (Senad), the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. The volume of the occurrences received was classified by the authorities as “outside the standard”.
Another point has attracted attention: according to the Campinas Information and toxicological Assistance Center (Ciatox-Sp), the episodes of methanol poisoning that had been informed so far were connected mainly to the hiring deliberated in contexts of abuse of substances, which involve the homeless population.
This time, however, the cases occurred in the bars and involved different types of drinks, such as gin, whiskey, vodka and other spirits.
In response, the MJSP issued a recommendation, last Saturday (27/09), to the factories that sell alcohol in the state.
The note strengthens the need for companies to make safe purchases, check the products and strengthen the traceability of the product.
And he says that very low prices, crooked seals, rude printing errors, smell similar to solvent and consumer relationships with symptoms such as vision of the shift, intense headache, nausea or relegation of consciousness “should be treated as a suspicion of tampering”.
The Brazilian Beverage Association (Abrabe) has released a declaration in which it followed several operations to combat the trade in illegal products and which, in 2025, were more than 160,000 counterfeit counterfeit products.
The recommendation is to refer to these customers for urgent medical care and activate dial-path toxication (0800 722 6001), the Anvisa service.
Understand below what the methanol and risks it offers to health is.
What is methanol?
Methanol is an industrial chemical present in the anti -ongal fluids and wipers.
It is not intended for human consumption – and it is highly toxic.
Taking small quantities can also be harmful. Some doses of clandestine alcohol containing the substance can be lethal.
Metanol has the appearance and taste of alcohol and the first effects are similar: it can make you feel drunk and sick.
Initially, people may not realize that there is something wrong.
The damage occurs hours later, when the body tries to eliminate it from the body, metabolizing it in the liver.
This process generates toxic for -products called formaldehyde, format and formic acid. They accumulate, attack nerves and organs, which can lead to blindness, coma and death.
“The format, which is the main toxin produced, acts similar to cyanide and interrupts the production of energy in the cells and the brain seems to be very vulnerable to it”, explains Christopher Morris, professor at the University of Newcastle in the United Kingdom.
“This leads to damage to some parts of the brain. Even the eyes are affected directly and this can cause blindness, which can be seen in many people exposed to high levels of methanol.”
Metanol toxicity is related to the dose you take and the way your body faces it.
As with alcohol, the smaller weight, the more you can be influenced by a certain quantity.
Dr. Knut Erik Hovda of Médicos Without Borders (MSF), which monitors methanol poisoning, says that awareness varies widely between tourists and the health team in different parts of the world – and this can mean delays in the diagnosis.
“The symptoms are usually very vague until you are really sick,” he told the BBC.
How is methanol poisoning treated?
Poisoning is a medical emergency and should be treated in the hospital.
There are treatments based on the drug that can be administered, as well as dialysis to clean the blood.
Some cases can be treated with alcohol (ethanol) to “compete” with the metabolization of methanol. But this should be done quickly.
“Ethanol acts as a competitive inhibitor, largely preventing the metabolization of methanol, but delaying it considerably, allowing the body to release the pulmonary methanol and a little through the kidneys and a little sweat”, explains Alastair Hay, a professor in environmental toxicology at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
Hovda says that obtaining help immediately after the consumption of methanol is crucial for the chances of survival.
“You can alleviate all the purposes if you get to the hospital soon soon and if the hospital has the necessary treatment,” he says.
“You can die with a very small relationship of methanol and you can survive with a very substantial proportion if you get help.”
“The most important antidote is ordinary alcohol.”
Which drinks can contain methanol?
Interested drinks may include:
- Local distillates, including rice drinks;
- Mixed drinks based on alcohol such as cocktails;
- Alcohol bottles with a counterfeit label in shops or behind the bar.
To protect yourself from the meta -tone poisoning, you must:
- Buy alcoholic beverages only in authorized stores;
- Buy drinks only in authorized bars and hotels;
- Avoid homemade alcoholic beverages;
- Verify that the seal of the bottle is intact;
- Check the print quality or if there are spelling errors on the label.
Look for urgent medical care if you or someone with whom you are traveling with signs of methanol poisoning.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
