Governor of SP plays when talking to journalists about measures to mitigate the crisis of methanol contaminated drinks
The governor of Sao Paulo, (Republicans), said on Monday (6.out.2025), in a joke, that will start to worry when “start falsifying Coca-Cola”The statement was made to journalists while taking stock of the methanol contaminated drinks.
“We heard a huge desire to collaborate. Who was here were the biggest drink manufacturers that are falsification objects ”Tarcisio said, citing brands like Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker. “I will not venture into this area that is not my beach. The day they start falsifying Coca-Cola, I will worry. Good thing they didn’t arrive at this point”.
Watch Tarcisio’s speech:
The Ministry of Health reported on Monday (6.out) that Brazil has 217 cases on suspicion of methanol poisoning after ingestion of alcohol. There are 17 confirmed cases and 200 in investigation. There are two confirmed deaths in São Paulo and 12 are under analysis.
São Paulo has 15 confirmed cases and 164 in investigation.
The Secretary of Public Security of São Paulo, was next to Tarcisio during the interview. He said that about how alcoholic beverages were contaminated by methanol in the state of São Paulo.
He has listed two hypotheses that have been raised: cow washing for use in falsifying distillates or mixture of chemical compound with ethanol.
Cases of suspected poisoning grew from August. At the end of September, when the subject gained national repercussion, Tarcisio stated that there was no evidence of link with the CCP (first command of the capital), a faction created in the state that was associated weeks earlier with a fuel tamper megaesheme.
Derrite said the clandestine distilleries closed by the São Paulo government in the cities of Americana, Sumaré, São Bernardo do Campo and Osasco were not operated by CCP members.
According to the secretary, none of the 41 prisoners so far in the state is “Facted“. He said that the owners of these places may even work in association, but not in the way of organized crime,”which has a hierarchical structure, with predefined functions”.
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 It 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 ingestion 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; and
- 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 refer 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.
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 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; and
- 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.
