Methanol

Also known as:  Carbinol;  Columbian Spirits;  Methyl Alcohol;  Methylol;  Wood Alcohol;  Wood Naptha;  Wood Spirit

Methanol is a colorless, extremely toxic Primary Alcohol.

Many of the toxic effects of Methanol are likely to occur via its metabolism within the body to Formaldehyde and Formic Acid (which is the more toxic of these two metabolites).

Alcohol-Related Disorders

 Although Hangovers are known to be caused by the excessive consumption of Alcoholic Beverages, some researchers believe that the specific component of Alcoholic Beverages that causes Hangovers may not be Alcohol (ethanol) but Congeners.  The most likely Congener to be implicated in Hangovers is Methanol (which is present in many types of Alcoholic Beverages).  Specifically, symptoms of Hangovers may occcur when Methanol is converted to Formaldehyde and subsequently to Formic Acid.  ^[1]

Digestive System

 Methanol may cause (acute) Pancreatitis.  ^[2]

Ears/Hearing

 Methanol may cause Tinnitus.

Eyes/Vision

 Methanol may damage the Optic Nerve and may cause Blindness.

Immune System

 Methanol may damage the Lymph Nodes.  ^[3]