Methanol Toxicity

Methanol, represented by the chemical formula CH3OH, is a toxic alcohol found in various household and industrial agents. "Toxic alcohols” is a collective term that refers to several hydroxylated aliphatic compounds that can cause significant metabolic and systemic toxicity, including methanol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and isopropyl alcohol. Methanol is among the most dangerous toxic alcohols, potentially producing significant morbidity and mortality in heavily exposed individuals who are left untreated. Methanol poisoning may be due to accidental or intentional ingestion. Rare accidental epidemic poisonings due to distillation and fermentation errors, as well as beverage contamination, have occurred. Products that contain methanol include windshield wiper fluid, industrial solvents, some types of antifreeze, carburetor cleaner, copy machine fluid, perfumes, and different fuel types, including those used for warming food. Exposures can cause varying degrees of toxicity, with management strategies ranging from close laboratory monitoring to antidotal therapy and dialysis. The primary treatment is fomepizole, though ethanol may be administered if the former is not an option. Unlike in ethylene glycol toxicity, dialysis is typically recommended.