Risk of death from drinking alcohol of unknown origin

Alcohol poisoning, especially alcohol containing methanol, has become a serious problem recently, causing unpredictable consequences for human health, especially at the end of the year, when the demand for alcohol increases.

Many tragic deaths

Although alcohol poisoning is not a new phenomenon, its level of danger is increasing, with many cases of death and serious sequelae.

Methanol is an industrial alcohol used primarily in products such as paint removers, printing inks, and glass cleaners. Illustration photo

Recently, Nghe An General Hospital received two cases of methanol poisoning in very serious condition. A 41-year-old patient died after being rushed to the hospital due to circulatory arrest and deep coma.

The other patient, 48, survived the critical stage after receiving dialysis and intensive care, but still faces long-term symptoms such as vision loss. Both patients drank alcohol together, alcohol containing methanol – an extremely dangerous industrial alcohol if ingested.

In 2024, the number of methanol poisoning cases at hospitals in Nghe An increased significantly. The Poison Control Department of Nghe An General Hospital received more than 100 cases of methanol poisoning, of which 30-40 were severe and required dialysis.

The patients’ condition is critical, with many requiring ventilators and intensive care. Drinking alcohol of unknown origin and unsafe preparation is the main cause of these poisonings.

Previously, in Tuyen Quang province, a group of four people were hospitalized in a coma and respiratory failure after drinking homemade wine soaked with tree roots. Doctors determined that the group had drunk wine of unknown origin containing methanol.

Despite intensive resuscitation, one of them died after 24 hours of emergency treatment. This is one of the serious alcohol poisoning cases that shocked the locality, and is also a lesson for people about the risks of consuming homemade alcohol.

Or a serious alcohol poisoning case occurred in Le Thuy district, Quang Binh, when a family drank homemade alcohol, leading to three deaths.

After being examined, authorities confirmed that the wine they drank contained methanol, an industrial alcohol. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, and deep coma. Despite timely emergency care, two victims did not survive, and the third suffered vision problems.

In Hanoi, in Chuong My district (Hanoi), a group of people drank homemade alcohol of unknown origin, leading to a fatal alcohol poisoning case.

After drinking the alcohol, the group began to experience symptoms of vomiting, headaches, dizziness and even coma. Two of them died after being taken to the hospital, while the rest faced long-term liver, kidney and nerve damage. Test results showed that the alcohol they drank contained methanol.

Methanol poisoning and unpredictable effects

Methanol is an industrial alcohol used mainly in products such as paint removers, printing inks, glass cleaners, etc. When methanol enters the body, it is converted into formic acid, an extremely toxic substance to the body, especially the eyes and brain.

Methanol poisoning can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and in severe cases, can lead to blindness or death.

Medical experts warn that people who drink alcohol containing methanol or alcohol of unknown origin will face serious complications, from liver and kidney damage to central nervous system dysfunction. In particular, methanol poisoning can lead to deep coma, brain damage and multiple organ failure if not treated promptly.

Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Center (Bach Mai Hospital) said that alcohol poisoning is a very serious condition, especially when the patient drinks alcohol of unknown origin and without inspection.

Methanol, when entering the body, can cause serious damage and leave permanent sequelae, even death. Therefore, using alcohol with clear origin and quality control is extremely important.

The Food Safety Department also warned that excessive alcohol consumption can cause serious illnesses such as liver cancer, mouth and throat cancer, and neurological diseases. The Department recommends that people avoid drinking alcohol when they are unwell, especially when hungry or taking medication.

To prevent alcohol poisoning, according to recommendations from the health sector, consumers need to be careful when buying alcohol, avoid buying alcohol of unknown origin, without labels or without quality control.

Homemade or infused wines with ingredients of unknown origin may contain toxic substances such as methanol, acetaldehyde and furfural, which are hazardous to health.

Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver, kidneys, brain and cause many serious diseases. You should drink alcohol in moderation and ensure your health.

Authorities need to strengthen inspection and strictly handle violators to ensure food safety standards for the community.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/nguy-co-tu-vong-tu-viec-uong-ruou-khong-ro-nguon-goc-d238460.html