Melbourne teen dies after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos: What is it?

Methanol poisoning has killed Melbourne teen Bianca Jones a week after she and her best friend fell ill while travelling in neighbouring Laos. Thai authorities have confirmed that the teen developed a “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system." Tragedy struck all of a sudden during Jones and her best friend, Holly Bowles's (aged 19) stay at a hostel in Vang Vieng, north of the Laos capital Vientiane, when they fell critically ill. She is believed to have fallen victim to methanol poisoning after consuming a drink laced with the toxic substance. Previously deaths of two Danish women and an American man in the same region raised concerns over the dangers of drinking unregulated alcohol in Southeast Asia.

What is methanol and how does it poison the body?

Methanol (CH3OH), or wood alcohol, is chemically similar to ethanol—the substance found in standard alcoholic drinks—but far more dangerous. While ethanol is safe in moderation, methanol can be highly toxic and lead to serious damage to the body, irrespective of the quantity.

When methanol is consumed, it is metabolised by the body into formaldehyde, a potent toxin that can attack vital organs, particularly the optic nerve, and cause permanent blindness. The body then converts formaldehyde into formic acid, which disrupts the acid balance in the blood and affects the lungs, kidneys, and other organs. In severe cases, this can lead to death.

How it can land in alcoholic beverages

Methanol is usually used in solvents, paints and fuels but it can end up in alcohol due to unsafe distillation practices. One must be careful about bootleg alcohol that's often produced cheaply and where methanol is added to increase alcohol content. As there is no clear way to tell how it's different from ethanol, tourists may remain unaware of the hidden danger of these drinks.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning

Methanol poisoning can present with a range of symptoms. The initial symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. These symptoms can be confused with alcohol poisoning. However, as the methanol is metabolised into its toxic byproducts, more serious symptoms can appear around 10 to 30 hours later.

These may include blurred vision, loss of sight, abdominal pain, and muscle aches. In severe cases, poisoning can cause respiratory failure, kidney damage, and even death. As little as 25ml of methanol can be fatal.

For those suffering from methanol poisoning, the most effective treatment is the administration of ethanol or fomepizole, both of which block the liver enzyme that processes methanol, giving the body a chance to expel the toxin before it can do serious harm.

How to prevent methanol poisoning

Be careful about your purchase: Buy alcohol only from reputable sources. Stick to licensed bars, hotels, and shops that sell branded alcoholic drinks. Avoid homemade or unbranded spirits, especially if they are served at "special" parties or local establishments that seem to cut corners.

Check labels and seals: Look for signs of counterfeit bottles, such as poorly printed labels or damaged seals, which may indicate that the alcohol has been tampered with.

Avoid free drinks or those you haven't seen poured: It's safest to accept drinks from a trusted source and to ensure you are watching the drink being prepared.

Be cautious with local spirits: Popular local drinks such as rice or palm liquor, often sold as "happy" or "special" drinks, have been linked to methanol contamination in the past. Stick to well-known brands and avoid consuming these unregulated spirits.

Seek medical attention immediately: If you experience any symptoms of methanol poisoning, such as blurred vision, confusion, or nausea, seek medical help immediately. Treatment needs to begin within hours for the best chance of recovery.