Ingestion Get medical attention immediately. Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Give plenty of water to drink. Give milk instead of water if readily available.
Antidote therapy, often using ethanol or fomepizole, is directed towards delaying methanol metabolism until the methanol is eliminated from the patient's system either naturally or via dialysis.
Methylated spirits is 70-99% ethanol with bittering agents added to give it an intensely unpleasant taste to discourage consumption. It is poisonous by nature of its very high ethanol content, and even small a small drink can lead to headache, dizziness, gastric disorder, nausea and central nervous system depression.
The toxicity of methylated spirits is expected to be related to its ethanol content. Accidental ingestion of small quantities by children or adults is unlikely to cause problems but all children with features of intoxication should be referred to hospital.
Precautions for safe handling
Ensure that the workplace is ventilated such that the Occupational Exposure limit is not exceeded. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke in contaminated areas.
Because methylated spirits are so cheap, it did become the drink of choice for many poor and unhoused men in the East End in the 1960s. Bernard had a tough life, and although he had no family left in the area, he returned to Poplar when he had nowhere else to go.
Inhalation In high concentrations, vapours are narcotic and may cause headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.
if white spirit is ingested - seek medical advice. Do not make yourself sick. if white spirit is inhaled - seek medical advice. if you have got white spirit on your skin, remove soiled clothing (not above the head), wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap for at least 10 to 15 minutes and seek medical ...
The Bottom Line. Alcohol can be a dangerous poison for children. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and causes low blood glucose (sugar). Children who drink alcohol can have seizures and coma; they could even die.
Recent ingestion should be treated by gastric lavage with sodium bicarbonate solution 2-5%, together with treatment for shock and respiratory failure. Acidosis should be corrected with intravenous sodium bicarbonate or compound sodium lactate. Delirium if it occurs may be treated with diazepam.
Methanol is extremely poisonous. As little as 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) can be deadly to a child. About 2 to 8 ounces (60 to 240 milliliters) can be deadly for an adult. Blindness is common and often permanent despite medical care.
No conclusive evidence exists to support or reject claims about the ill effects of mixing different types of alcohol. The amount of alcohol consumed in a specific time frame is what largely determines how drunk or sick you may feel.
Methylated Spirits can be used undiluted or diluted with water (50%) as a general cleaner for glass, ceramic tiles, bathrooms, kitchens, sinks, fridges and toilets. It can also be used as a heavy duty disinfectant.
Methylated spirits is not classified as acutely toxic, but ingestion of small quantities can cause serious health effects due to the high ethanol concentration.
The key difference between methylated spirit and surgical spirit is that methylated spirit is used mainly for the removal of stains and as a fuel in small lamps and heaters, whereas surgical spirits are useful as a disinfectant, in preventing bedsores, and for hardening the skin of the feet.
The main additive usually is 10% methanol (methyl alcohol), hence the name methylated spirits. Other common additives include isopropyl alcohol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone. Denatured alcohol blends average 60 to 90% ethanol.
The child may have trouble breathing and flushed (red) or pale skin. Alcohol reduces the gag reflex. This can cause choking. Alcohol may also cause low blood sugar in children.
Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.
Because habitual drinkers had less access to alcohol in mainstream establishments they turned to methylated spirits. Often people mixed the meths with other substances, using some form of ethanol.
Fire/Explosion Hazard
Liquid and vapour are highly flammable. Severe fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame and/or oxidisers. Vapour may travel a considerable distance to source of ignition. Heating may cause expansion or decomposition leading to violent rupture of containers.
H319 Causes serious eye irritation. H371 May cause damage to organs. Precautionary statements : P101 If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand. P102 Keep out of reach of children.