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.
A 'meths drinker' is someone who drinks methylated spirits (denatured alcohol). This is ethanol with additives to make it nauseating or even poisonous to consume. It is used as a fuel in alcohol burners and camp stoves.
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 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. Ethanol is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract.
It is a neutral cleaner. This means it is safe to use on most surfaces in your bathroom, including grout. Methylated spirits is safe to use on glass, sinks, chrome taps, ceramic, stone, marble and grout. (Do not use on painted or varnished surfaces).
Methylated spirit is commonly known as denatured alcohol.
It is basically ethanol that has certain additives that make it poisonous, very smelly and dangerous to consume.
The most commonly used alcohol-based hand sanitisers are isopropyl alcohol or a form of denatured ethanol (i.e. industrial methylated spirits), normally at a 70% concentration.
Early symptoms: Occur within 1 hours, mild CNS depression, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Late symptoms 12-24 hours: headache, dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision and photophobia. Severe symptoms: Tachypnoea (in response to the metabolic acidosis), drowsiness and blindness.
Inhalation In high concentrations, vapours are narcotic and may cause headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.
Inhalation: Material may be an irritant to mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Skin contact: Contact with skin may result in irritation. Ingestion: Swallowing can result in nausea, vomiting and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Eye contact: An eye irritant.
Quick Reference. A mixture consisting mainly of ethyl alcohol with methyl alcohol and petroleum hydrocarbons. The addition of pyridine gives it an objectionable smell, and the dye methyl violet is added to make it recognizable as unfit to drink.
Methylated Spirits Uses
Denatured alcohol can be used to disinfectant, sterilise medical equipment, as a window cleaner, and there are many more uses. Methylated spirits are also perfect for indoor or outdoor methylated heaters. It is an effective solvent in the paints, lacquers and varnish industry.
Ingestion of white spirit can cause stomach upset and abdominal pain. In severe cases, white spirit may be absorbed into the body causing drowsiness, lack of coordination, fitting, heart problems and coma.
Currently, known common slang terms for meth include: Speed. Crank. Ice.
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.
In the UK it is called "Meths", and in the USA it is called "Denatured Ethanol".
The preferred antidote is fomepizole, with ethanol used if this is not available. Hemodialysis may also be used in those where there is organ damage or a high degree of acidosis. Other treatments may include sodium bicarbonate, folate, and thiamine.
It removes pimples, black spots, and acne very fast, moisturizing and giving your skin a neat tone.
Keep an eye on things. Methylated spirits are extremely flammable. Incorrect use has resulted in accidents and disfiguring burns.
Restrictions on pubs and British drinking during World War 1 had led to moderate drinking during the 1920s. 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.
Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code has a maximum permitted level of 5 mg/kg of methanol in all food when it is used as a processing aid (listed under permitted extraction solvents).
Methyl alcohol (CH3OH) is a colorless liquid with a strong odor. It is a poisonous substance that can be absorbed through the eyes, skin, lungs, and digestive system. Overexposure can cause death. Workers may be harmed by exposure to methyl alcohol.
Mineral turpentine is considered to have more solvency than methylated spirits. This means that it has the greater ability to dissolve with other solvents. Turpentine is considered to be more dangerous than methylated spirits as it is highly flammable and can irritate the skin and eyes.
If you haven't heard of rubbing alcohol before you've probably walked passed it in the supermarket aisle in Australia known as Isocol. Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean makeup, disinfect wounds, kill mealybugs and many more uses. Cleaning and disinfecting makeup brushes we recommend using 70% Isopropyl Alcohol.
Methylated spirits preparations contain high concentrations of ethanol, usually around 90%, and this coupled with the additives means that you really shouldn't use this type of alcohol on your skin. Men should exchange alcohol-based aftershaves for soothing after-shave creams.