What hazards are associated with methanol?

Methanol may cause birth defects of the central nervous system in humans. Chronic poisoning from repeated exposure to methanol vapor may produce inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis), recurrent headaches, giddiness, insomnia, stomach disturbances, and visual failure.

Is methanol a health hazard?

Acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) exposure of humans to methanol by inhalation or ingestion may result in blurred vision, headache, dizziness, and nausea. No information is available on the reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of methanol in humans.

Can you get methanol poisoning through the skin?

Methanol is a toxic alcohol that can cause poisoning when absorbed through the skin and blindness or death when swallowed.

How toxic is methanol on skin?

Methanol can cause poisoning, systemic acidosis, optic nerve damage and central nervous system (CNS) effects. Methanol can also degrease the skin, which may cause dermatitis.

How long does it take for methanol poisoning to kick in?

Initial symptoms generally occur 12-24 hours after ingestion. The interval between ingestion and the appearance of symptoms correlates to the volume of methanol ingested and the amount of ethanol concomitantly ingested; competitive inhibition exists between the 2 compounds.

What to do if you get methanol on your skin?

A. In case of methanol contact with skin, remove contaminated clothing, wash with soap and water for 15 minutes, and seek medical attention if irritation occurs. If methanol comes in direct contact with eyes, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes.

Which is safer ethanol or methanol?

Methanol is much more toxic than its close cousin ethanol and is a great example of how differences in the way our bodies handle different chemicals has an influence on both the nature and the extent of toxic effects.

How fast does methanol absorb through skin?

0.192 mg/cm2/min
One study employing healthy adult males found that absorption of methanol through the skin occurred at an average rate of 0.192 mg/cm2/min (11).