What methanol is
Methanol, also called methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is an industrial alcohol found in antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, paint thinner and fuel additives. It looks and smells like ethanol, the alcohol in drinks, but it is not made for people to drink.
The danger comes when drinks are counterfeit or made illegally with methanol. In 2025, the Pan American Health Organization warned about methanol poisoning outbreaks linked to adulterated alcohol in the Americas, including cases in Brazil and Colombia. Similar outbreaks have hit tourists in other parts of the world.
Source: Pan American Health Organization, Methanol poisoning risk alert, October 2025.
Read also: Signs of dehydration that go unnoticed and Using your credit card abroad: how to avoid hidden fees.
Why it is so toxic
The liver turns methanol into formaldehyde and then formic acid. That acid makes the blood more acidic and attacks the optic nerve, which is why poisoning can cause blindness. In severe cases it damages the brain and other organs and can be fatal. Early symptoms look like ordinary drunkenness or a bad hangover, so people often wait too long to get help.
Symptoms that need emergency care
Warning signs can include feeling drunk for longer than expected, nausea, vomiting, severe belly pain, headache, dizziness, confusion and vision changes such as blurred vision or "snowfield" vision, often appearing hours after drinking. Anyone with these symptoms after drinking, especially vision problems, needs emergency care immediately. Treatment exists, including antidotes and dialysis, and it works best the earlier it starts.
In the U.S., call 911 or the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, free and available 24/7. Abroad, call the local emergency number.
Source: MedlinePlus, Methanol poisoning.
How to protect yourself
- Buy alcohol from licensed stores and reputable bars, and be wary of prices far below normal.
- Check the seal, label and cap: misprints, crooked labels or loose caps are red flags.
- When traveling, be extra careful with cheap spirits, cocktails from unknown places and drinks served from unlabeled bottles.
- You cannot detect methanol by smell or taste.
- If someone you were drinking with gets sick, the rest of the group should get checked too.
Sources
- Pan American Health Organization. Public health alert: Methanol poisoning risk, 7 October 2025. https://www.paho.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/2025-oct-07-phe-methanol-poisoning-alert-final.pdf
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Methanol poisoning. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002680.htm
Frequently asked questions
Can you taste or smell methanol in a drink?
No. Methanol cannot be identified by smell or taste.
How long after drinking do symptoms appear?
Often hours later, sometimes up to a day or more, which is why vision changes or worsening symptoms after drinking need urgent care.
Is methanol poisoning treatable?
Yes. Antidotes and dialysis can work, especially when treatment starts early.
Who should I call in the U.S.?
Call 911 in an emergency, or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for expert advice, free and 24/7.
