The UK Foreign Office’s methanol poisoning warning list has had eight latest additions.
Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda are included within the updated edition of the warning list – meaning there are increased risks of methanol poisoning from counterfeit or tainted alcoholic drinks in these countries.
Minister accountable for Consular and Crisis, Hamish Falconer said:
‘Methanol poisoning can kill – it may be difficult to detect when drinking and early symptoms mirror odd alcohol poisoning. By the point travellers realise the danger, it may be too late.
‘That’s why we’re working hard to lift awareness of the warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to hunt immediate medical attention.
‘I encourage all travellers to examine our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday.’
Full list of nations on methanol poisoning warning list from UK Foreign Office
Ecuador
Kenya
Japan
Mexico
Nigeria
Peru
Uganda
Russia
Cambodia
Indonesia
Turkey
Costa Rica
Thailand
Vietnam
Laos
Fiji
What’s methanol poisoning?
Even in small amounts, methanol is toxic because it’s not made for human consumption – it’s an industrial alcohol constructed from distilling wood.
Methanol is present in many products, including antifreeze, fuel and paint thinners.
In some foreign countries, methanol products are sometimes illegally mixed with ‘real’ alcohol. In bars and street sellers, this is completed to chop costs.
What are the symptoms of methanol poisoning?
Symptoms of methanol poisoning hit harder and faster than regular alcohol, but it may still be difficult to discover – especially in the event you are having a great holiday night out.
Early signs include: vomiting, poor judgment, lack of balance and drowsiness.
Inside 12 to 48 hours after drinking, symptoms will include: abdominal pain, vertigo, hyperventilation, breathlessness, blurred vision and/or blindness, coma, and convulsions. If these signs appear, you could seek urgent medical attention.
Vision issues are a red flag with regards to methanol poisoning. It might cause blurry vision, trouble shiny lights and, in some cases, complete blindness.
Urgent medical attention could save your life or prevent serious complications.
23-year-old Calum MacDonald went blind after he fell victim to methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos.
When he joined campaigners meeting members of the travel industry and MPs in parliament he said: ‘I believe it’s necessary that folks know, obviously, since it’s quite an easy bit of data you possibly can get that may really prevent loads of pain.
‘I definitely think if I’d been aware of the risks, I wouldn’t be here today without my vision.’
The right way to reduce the chance of methanol poisoning
Completely removing the chance when drinking alcohol abroad just isn’t possible, but there are steps you possibly can take to assist reduce the possibility of becoming a victim.
- Avoid homemade or street-side alcohol
- Follow licensed places reminiscent of liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels
- At all times check your drinks are sealed and fully intact
- Be cautious of unusually low-cost or free drinks – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
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