This is out of New Zealand and Australia. Citizens of those countries travel to Indonesia for vacations. The high methanol content of home grown brews have become a problem for parents of teens. Teens can find acceptance as a consumer when purchasing from home grown distilling. Reinforce with teens that adult activity is reserved for adults for a real reason and the time to enjoy that freedom will come soon enough.
November 26, 2014
By Sam Rigney
...What is methanol? (click here)
Methanol is the simplest form of alcohol. It is closely related to ethanol, the type of alcohol normally found in beer, wine and spirits – but much more toxic.
Tourists are among those most at risk of methanol poisoning, especially those travelling to countries like Indonesia and Thailand where home-brewed spirits are widely available.
Since poisoning often occurs in the context of drinking alcohol, the early symptoms may go unnoticed.
After a period of time, victims start to develop a headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and vertigo. They may start to hyperventilate and feel breathless. Vision is often affected, with blindness in severe cases. Coma, convulsions, and death from respiratory arrest may ensue. Patients who survive may suffer permanent visual impairment.
To protect yourself from methanol poisoning you should not buy or produce illegal alcoholic drinks, be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.
Source: World Health Organisation
