Cases have already been notified in 6 states; São Paulo concentrates more than 90%, with 11 confirmations and 102 in calculation
He informed this Friday (3.out.2025) that there are 113 cases of methanol poisoning under investigation in the country, 11 in São Paulo. Bahia, Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul notified the first cases in investigation.
The notifications in investigation are divided as follows:
- São Paulo – 90 cases;
- Pernambuco – 6 cases;
- Bahia – 2 cases;
- Federal District – 2 cases;
- Paraná – 1 case;
- Mato Grosso do Sul – 1 case.
According to the ministry, there is a death Confirmed in São Paulo. Others 11 are under analysisdistributed as follows:
- 8 in the city of São Paulo;
- one in Pernambuco;
- one in Bahia;
- one in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Cases in Brasilia
A (Federal District Health Department) confirmed on Friday (3.out) the 2nd case of methanol poisoning in Brasilia. The 47 -year -old man was admitted to the BRAZLAND Emergency Care Unit (UPA (Emergency Care Unit) and was then transferred to the Santa Maria Regional Hospital.
The first case of the DF was the 34 -year -old singer Hungary at DF Star Hospital since Thursday (2.out) with symptoms of methanol poisoning. In a statement released on Instagram, the artist’s team said he presented signs after drinking that would have been tampered with, similar to the recent cases in Sao Paulo. Read the bulletin (PDF – 121 kb).
What is methanol?
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol (CH₃OH), is a chemical highly toxic, volatile and flammable. It is a simple, colorless alcohol, with a odor similar to the common alcohol. In the past, it was called “Alcohol da Madeira”Because it is obtained from the distillation of logs. Today, it is produced on an industrial scale, especially from natural gas.
Liquid is used as a raw material for the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, resins, solvent e paint. It is also present in antifreeze, wiper e ink removers. In Brazil, one of the main applications is in the production of biodieselthrough transesterification.
Lethal dosage
The ingestion of 4 ml the 10 ml Methanol can cause irreversible damage, such as blindness, according to the CFQ (Federal Council of Chemistry). The advice warns that small doses already represent a real threat to life. Esteem that 30 ml of pure methanol can be lethal.
Effects on the body
The greatest danger of methanol intake appears in late effectssays the Federal Council of Chemistry. Methanol is metabolized in the body in Formaldehyde and Formic Acidthe latter responsible for causing metabolic acidosis – a serious imbalance of the blood pH. Symptoms include:
- accelerated breathing;
- increased heart rate;
- Persistent abdominal pain;
- Damage to Visionthat can evolve into irreversible blindness.
Diagnosis and Treatment
According to ABNO (Brazilian Association of Neuro-Oftalmology), ..
In case of suspected ingestion or prolonged methanol contact, do not induce vomiting and forward the person urgently to the hospital. The sooner the diagnosis and treatment are performed, the lower the risk of death or serious sequelae.
Treatment is done with intravenous (homestepizole) drugs that, like ethanol, can inhibit methanol metabolism, avoiding formic acid formation, causing the most severe sequelae. The patient may undergo gastric wash and hemodialysis.
The risk of adulteration
According to the Federal Council of Chemistry, the problem arises when methanol is used criminal Alcoholic beverages.
Ingestion, inhalation or prolonged contact with methanol can cause immediate symptomssuch as nausea, dizziness, vomiting and depression of the central nervous system.
Prevention and Control
To avoid intoxications, it is recommended:
- verify the origin of the drinks purchased;
- distrust prices far below the market;
- Do not consume products without official registration.
The rigorous supervision of government agencies and periodic laboratory analyzes made by chemistry professionals are essential to prevent tragedies. They have the role of identifying contaminants, ensuring product quality and making the population aware of the risks of adulterated drink consumption.
Read more:
