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By Michael Cull, Colleen Noble & Mark Yarema, Poison and Drug Information Service. Submitted by Injury Control Alberta
The unintentional ingestion of toxic alcohols (e.g. methanol and ethylene glycol) can be a common occurrence in Alberta. The Alberta Poison Centre recorded 188 cases of accidental toxic alcohol exposures between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009.
Products containing toxic alcohols are commonly found at home and at work. These include: windshield washer fluid, gas line antifreeze, paint thinners, radiator fluid, fondue fluid, de-icing solutions, and model car and plane fuels. All of the above products contain methanol with the exception of radiator fluid which contains ethylene glycol.
When methanol or ethylene glycol are ingested (or inhaled), they are broken down by the body into toxic byproducts. Side-effects include nausea and vomiting, intoxication, acid indigestion, seizures, blindness, kidney failure, loss of conciousness and death. As little as a mouthful is enough to cause serious consequences.
One example of an unintentional and preventable exposure is a recent case that was called into the Alberta Poison Centre. A healthy 34 year old male was working at an oil and gas site. He was thirsty so he took a drink from a sport drink bottle containing a blue liquid. After the second mouthful he realized the contents were not what he thought and shortly thereafter started to experience nausea.
He learned from a co-worker that the bottle was filled with windshield washer fluid containing methanol, which is often used for flushing out lines or preventing machine parts from freezing. He called the Poison Centre for advice and was directed to the local hospital for evaluation.
Upon arrival at hospital the patient complained of a mild feeling of intoxication. Blood work was ordered and he was started on intravenous medication to prevent the conversion of methanol to formic acid, a toxic by-product. His peak serum methanol level was 6 mmol / L. Concentrations at or below this level are not typically treated unless there is evidence of organ damage (e.g. blindness). The patient was therefore discharged from hospital in stable condition.
In this case, the man was lucky. However, in some instances patients must undergo further treatment, such as dialysis, to remove the toxic alcohol and its by-products from the blood.
How can this type of situation be prevented?
- Store products in original containers with labels intact.
- If products must be decanted for practical reasons, ensure the new container does not resemble a beverage container or water bottle and is properly labeled with standard warning labels that clearly and prominently indicate the ingredient.
- Ensure material safety data sheets are available in the workplace for all products.
- Be aware of which products in your home or at work contain methanol and ethylene glycol.
- Read the labels on containers and always use as directed.
- Do not leave products in use unattended, and store unused products in locked cabinets.
Poison and Drug Information Service (PADIS) staff are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year to offer advice on poison management and prevention. For assistance, contact PADIS toll free throughout Alberta at 1-800-332-1414 or in Calgary at 403-944-1414. You can also visit us online at www.padis.ca. |
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