Methanol Poisoning in Ondo state and matters arising on HWN FAN COLUMN

Ever since the Irele, Ondo State incident, I’ve been planning to write a post on methanol poisoning which was found to be the eventual cause of the mysterious deaths.

How does methanol poisoning happen? What’s methanol? How does someone even come across it?

Well, methanol is a natural product of the fermentation of grapes or grains to make alcohol. However, when this fermentation is done commercially, every effort is made to significantly reduce the methanol in the
alcohol leaving just the ethanol (the normal alcohol found in alcoholic drinks like beer, spirits and wine).

The home brewed versions of this drink, however, don’t get the same care and attention and it is really difficult to ensure that the methanol concentration is reduced while not necessarily affecting the ethanol; so it is very possible to have high concentrations of methanol in some of these drinks. Methanol is also found in fuel additives, thinner or paint remover etc
Why is methanol such a ‘bad’ thing? Well, that’s because when taken one doesn’t even have an idea they are taking something that might literally be their last drink. You certainly can’t see it (as distinct from the ethanol) cannot smell or even taste it. So, if you avoid local brews (ogogoro, akpuru-achia, kparaga, shekpe, Sapele water), theoretically, you should be safe even though these drinks are cheap. The problem, however, is the fact that these local brews have sometimes been passed off to unsuspecting customers as the real deal and so, even when some unsuspecting people had thought they were getting the real thing, they were getting Ogogoro This happens more commonly in developing countries amongst members of the lower socio-economic class.

That methanol poisoning can lead to death within 24 hours is not news…we all heard what happened in Irele, Ondo State. What symptoms are experienced before this? There is difficulty with breathing, blurred vision and blindness, convulsion, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting etc If this poisoning is suspected, please do not make the patient vomit. How does one suspect that this is the problem? Well, most people who drink have an idea what a hangover feels like. If one feels different from a regular hangover after taking alcohol, then this may very well be a plausible problem and the person should see a doctor as soon as possible.
The earlier treatment is started, the better.

Better Queeneth Better QueenethTreatment is focused on reversing the effect of the methanol (using ethanol or another antidote called Fomepizole), treating symptoms, using a tube to wash out the stomach, supporting breathing etc.

So, as we approach a weekend with lots of parties and owambes, be sure of what you’re drinking! Be careful, y’all and stay safe.
 
Source: Dr Oyeyemi Olusegun Adeniyi, HWN.