Medical toxicology and public health--update on research and activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry inhalational methanol toxicity.

Methanol toxicity is still a relatively common poisoning worldwide. Exposure typically occurs through ingestion, but there is potential for occupational inhalational exposures as well. People with potential exposure to methanol in any form need to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, and they need to be familiar with proper detection methods. Medical professionals need to understand the metabolism of methanol and why knowledge of this metabolism is important for the diagnosis and management of this unique poison. Several methods of treatment exist for methanol toxicity. Through development of an under-standing of the pathophysiology behind the toxin, the appropriate measures can be taken.