BANGKOK — A troubling incident in Laos has resulted in the deaths of two Australian teenagers and a British woman due to suspected methanol poisoning after consuming contaminated alcohol. The fatalities also included an American individual and two Danish citizens, although details surrounding their deaths have not yet been disclosed. Reports indicate that a New Zealander has experienced illness as well. In light of these events, the U.S. State Department has cautioned travelers to remain vigilant about the threat of methanol poisoning. But what exactly is methanol, and how can one safeguard against it?

Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is one of three main types of alcohol, the others being ethanol and isopropyl. Ethanol is the type of alcohol safe for human consumption, commonly found in beverages. Isopropanol, on the other hand, is primarily used in rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers. Methanol, while useful in various industrial applications such as fuel, antifreeze, and solvents, is not intended for ingestion.

According to the Methanol Institute, consuming as little as 25 to 90 milliliters (about 0.7 to 3.0 ounces) of methanol could be lethal without immediate medical treatment; however, it is treatable if addressed promptly. Symptoms of methanol poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, loss of consciousness leading to coma, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision among others, as per the recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC emphasizes the importance of seeking urgent medical assistance if methanol poisoning is suspected.

“People’s reactions to methanol can differ greatly,” noted Alastair Hay, a toxicologist at the University of Leeds. “Some individuals may be able to tolerate higher amounts due to different capacities of their detoxifying enzymes. But even small amounts can be fatal for some.”

Despite not being intended for consumption, methanol sometimes finds its way into alcoholic beverages. Unscrupulous bars may add methanol to drinks to enhance their potency while saving costs on high-quality ethanol spirits, like vodka or rum. This issue is not restricted to Laos or Southeast Asia but has been observed globally where the taxation on or pricing of genuine alcohol is seen as exorbitant. Furthermore, methanol can occur as a byproduct in poorly regulated home-brew distilleries—often prevalent in economically disadvantaged regions.

So, how can one avoid methanol poisoning? The clearest advice is: do not consume it. However, as methanol is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, this can be a substantial challenge.

Following the tragic events in Laos, the British Foreign Office has provided guidance that includes purchasing alcoholic beverages solely from licensed stores, choosing drinks from accredited bars and hotels, ensuring bottle seals are intact, and inspecting labels for any signs of tampering such as poor print quality or misspellings. The Methanol Institute also indicates that products like canned beer, cider, wine, pre-mixed drinks, and duty-free options tend to be safer due to the difficulty of adulterating them. Additionally, it’s wise to exercise caution with homemade alcoholic drinks or any offers of complimentary beverages that are significantly discounted.