Contaminated soda? Ethanol? See what the myth is and what is true about methanol

Fake news about methanol contamination has caught the attention of consumers

The rise in cases of methanol poisoning, a highly toxic substance found in adulterated alcohol, has sparked a red alert in the country. At the same time, false information on the topic on social networks, ranging from alleged soda contamination to videos created with artificial intelligence to spread false news.

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Last week, searches for refrigerants, coffee and even water that was allegedly “baptized” with methanol surged, according to the Google Trends tool. Among the most certain terms in the last seven days, regarding the word “methanol” are: “methanol in Coca-Cola”, “Methanol in coffee” and “Water with methanol”, all of which are fake news. So you understand what the myth is and what is true for methanol.

Is ethanol used to treat methanol poisoning?

Yes, but it is not drinking other alcoholic beverages that the treatment is done. Ethanol is applied to methanol intoxicated patients only in a hospital setting, supervised by doctors, to eliminate the chemical from the body. THE Earth He explained how this treatment works in an interview with clinical physician and general surgeon Marcelo Bechara, a specialist in preventive medicine and hormonology.

Does drinking other alcohol help eliminate methanol?

Myth. Consuming more alcoholic beverages does not help. Only medical treatment in a hospital can neutralize the effect of methanol. The use of ethanol as an antidote requires the application of exact dosage and constant monitoring, which can only be performed by healthcare professionals.

Which drinks can be contaminated with methanol?

The cases of methanol poisoning identified so far involve clandestinely produced distilled drinks such as vodka and gin. In addition to these, it is likely that whiskey, Cachaça will also present the contamination. Beer and wine, which are fermented, can also have methanol contamination. However, when they are manufactured by regulated companies, with safe processes, the risks are lower.

Is there methanol in Coca-Cola?

Myth. A fake video, created with artificial intelligence that is circulating, shows journalist Renata Vasconcellos talking about alleged contamination of Coca-Cola by methanol. The information is completely false.

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security, through the National Consumer Secretery (Senacon), told the Estadão controls that there is no record of contamination in soda. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that all confirmed cases so far are linked exclusively to adulterated alcohol. Coca-Cola classified the videos as fake. “There is no relationship between our products and the cases mentioned, nor are there any race investigations into the company,” he said.

Other rumors involving water and coffee are also false and have no evidence.

Can you smell or taste methanol in drinks?

Myth. Methanol is colorless, odorless and has no obvious taste. Since it mixes easily with ethanol and water, it is not possible to identify your presence at home. Only laboratory analyzes detect the substance.

Is there only methanol in adulterated drinks?

Methanol is used in fuels, solvents and cleaning products, but there is no risk to the consumer in these industrial applications. In legitimate alcoholic beverages, methanol may appear in minimal traits, a natural result of the fermentation process. However, it is filtered and eliminated before the product reaches the market.

How many cases of methanol poisoning are there?

On Sunday 5, the Ministry of Health reported that there are 225 records of methanol poisoning after ingestion of alcohol in Brazil, taking into account the investigated and confirmed cases. Throughout the country, there are 16 confirmed cases and Sao Paulo concentrates the majority of notifications.

Treatment

Experts warn that symptoms of methanol poisoning appear between 12 and 24 hours after consumption and include blurred vision, mental confusion, nausea, severe abdominal pain and, in severe cases, blindness. To protect yourself, follow these tips:

• Avoid drinks of dubious origin or sold in places without inspection.
• Prefer sealed products, with Anvisa seal and invoice.
• Be wary of prices well below the market.

The Ministry of Health reinforces that suspected cases should be notified immediately to expand surveillance and prevent further occurrences. (*With information from Estadão Conteudo)

Source: Terra

Ben

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.