Buzz
Homemade and counterfeit alcoholic beverages may contain methanol, a toxic substance responsible for the deaths of 19 individuals in Costa Rica this summer. While most alcohol you encounter on vacation is generally safe, it's important to take some precautions to protect yourself.
Methanol is a type of alcohol related to ethanol (the kind we drink), but much more dangerous. It naturally appears in small quantities in many alcoholic drinks, like wine. However, if hard liquor is distilled improperly, it can end up with dangerously high levels of methanol. In some cases, methanol is intentionally added, as it can create an alcohol-like effect and is cheaper than ethanol. In any case, consuming methanol is highly unsafe.
Be mindful of any warnings or alerts regarding local alcohol consumption.
Costa Rica's Ministry of Health recently issued a warning to both locals and tourists, revealing that methanol has been detected in bottles branded as 'Guaro Gran Apache,' 'Red Star Brandy,' 'Guaro Montano,' 'Baron Red Brandy,' 'Timbuka Brandy,' and 'Molotov Brandy.' While these brands might be safe if you're certain of the authenticity of the bottle, the ministry has noted that methanol-tainted alcohol has been sold under these labels.
The issue of tainted alcohol is a global concern: The Conversation reports deaths in countries like India, China, and beyond due to contaminated or poorly produced alcohol. Additionally, recent deaths in the Dominican Republic are suspected to be linked to this issue and are still being investigated. Regardless of your travel destination, always stay alert for warnings and avoid drinks that have been flagged as potentially dangerous.
Steer clear of anything homemade or suspicious-looking.
Homemade and counterfeit liquors are commonly linked to methanol poisoning. The US Overseas Advisory Council advises avoiding them whenever possible. If a drink seems unusually inexpensive, approach with caution.
Be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of poisoning.
At first, methanol poisoning can mimic the effects of drunkenness. According to the World Health Organization, people in this phase may appear 'drowsy, unsteady, and disinhibited.' It’s easy to mistake these early signs for the usual aftereffects of drinking, and it may take hours before the severity of the situation becomes apparent, with symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness often misinterpreted as just a hangover.
However, methanol poisoning is far more dangerous than typical intoxication. Along with extreme versions of common hangover symptoms, poisoning can lead to:
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
Vision problems or even blindness
Unconsciousness
Severe seizures
If you notice these symptoms in someone, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, even if you’re not sure whether they consumed tainted alcohol.
