Methanol poisoning occurs if an individual ingests the non-drinking form of alcohol (methanol). This is utilized for automotive and industrial purposes. It is often due to accidental intake of any product that contains methanol.
Take note that methanol might be present in copy machine fluids, antifreeze, shellac, canned heating sources, paint remover, fuel additives, varnish and windshield wiper fluid.
What are the indications?
The signs of methanol poisoning generally include the following:
Eyes
- Pupil dilation
- Blindness
- Blurry vision
Lungs and airway
- Difficulty breathing
- Absence of normal breathing
Circulatory
- Low blood pressure
Nervous system
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Seizures
- Coma
Skin and nails
- Bluish tinge to the lips and fingernails
GI tract
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pancreatitis
- Liver function issues
The other symptoms that might manifest if poisoning occurs include leg cramping, fatigue and weakness.
Management of methanol poisoning
If an individual is suspected with methanol poisoning, get in touch with the poison control center and provide all the necessary details even if there are no symptoms present.
It is vital to call for emergency assistance if the individual:
- Loses consciousness
- Suffering from chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Experiencing seizures, drowsiness or vomiting
- Sustained eye injuries
While waiting for the emergency team to arrive, the following measures should be considered:
- Any leftover poison in the mouth should be removed.
- In case the product spilled on clothing, it should be removed and thoroughly wash the skin with water.
- If the individual is not breathing or there are no signs of movement, perform CPR right away.
- Do not attempt to induce vomiting.
- In case the individual is vomiting, he/she must be turned on the side to prevent choking. Do not provide anything by mouth.
If possible, bring along the container or bottle of the product while on the way to the healthcare facility.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on methanol poisoning is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn how it is managed, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.