Alcohol has been known in Russia since the reign of Peter I. The name comes from the English word “spirit” and is translated into Russian as “spirit” or “soul”. There is still a debate about whether it is possible to drink alcohol and how dangerous its use is for health. It's time to give an exhaustive answer.

Many have heard stories about how people were poisoned with alcohol, went blind and even died. These are not just "horror stories", such cases do happen. It's just that the poisoned people did not know which alcohol could be drunk and which one could not.

Attention! Methyl (wood) alcohol is a poison for the human body. It is a toxic substance that quickly affects the nervous system, eyes, liver, lungs, and causes complete failure of these organs. The lethal dose of methyl alcohol is 100 ml. If the victim is not provided with medical assistance on time, death is inevitable.

The problem is that the taste and smell of methyl alcohol does not differ from ethyl alcohol (medical). at home, I told it last time. There are 4 verification methods, I advise you to familiarize yourself with them and check the purchased alcohol each time.

In theory, methanol should not be commercially available, it is only used for production purposes and is subject to strict controls. But in our country anything can happen, so if you decide to drink alcohol, you need to know exactly the source of its receipt, for example, it can be a winery or a pharmacy. Drinking alcohols of unknown origin is deadly.

For the production of alcoholic beverages, including vodka, only one type of alcohol is used - ethanol. It is safe in small amounts. It is pure ethyl alcohol that you can drink. Also, some products containing ethanol, such as rubbing alcohol and formic alcohol, are suitable for ingestion. Until recently, they were available at the pharmacy. Now this is more difficult, but anything is possible.

Formic alcohol, which is used to treat many diseases, has a pungent specific smell, so drinking it is not very pleasant, and getting rid of the smell is quite difficult, but in terms of health it is safe (in reasonable doses).

All other alcohol-containing liquids are best left alone. Although alcohol can also be obtained mechanically from cologne, BF-2 glue and brake fluid, but harmful impurities will still remain in it at the molecular level, which can subsequently cause poisoning.

Do not repeat the experience of the heroes from the movie "The Chronicle of a Dive Bomber", where the brave pilots mixed brake fluid with cherry syrup and got the Chassi liqueur. The use of such alcoholic beverages does not end with anything good.

The list of alcoholic drinks that are available for consumption is quite varied. There are both weak and strong alcoholic beverages. Many people have a question, is it possible to drink ethyl alcohol? Let's talk about how it affects human health.

Almost all alcoholic beverages contain alcohol. The strength of the drink and its taste depend on its type and quality. According to its properties in its pure form, this substance has a pungent smell and taste, and it is not without reason that this word is translated from Latin as “spirit”. You can get it in the laboratory, as well as found in nature.

There are three most common types: ethyl, methyl and phenyl ethyl. Each of them has its own area of ​​application:

• Ethyl, used in medicine and serves as the basis for the production of alcoholic beverages.
• Methyl, intended for industry.
• Ethyl phenyl, widespread in the field of cosmetology, the production of cosmetics, hygiene products and solutions.

Since people who consume alcoholic beverages, especially alcoholics, do not understand such a gradation, it is necessary to consider the benefits and dangers of using both the substance itself in its pure form and drinks containing it. Ethyl alcohol derivatives are encountered most often. It is important to know all its properties, how useful or harmful it is to humans, whether you can drink it or not.

Ethanol

This is the most common type of food used, it is also called medical. It is obtained by distilling potatoes, grains, fruits and other plant materials.

For the production of medical alcohol, as well as for food, the same components are used, the difference is that the medical variety is produced from better quality products. In medicine, its antiseptic effect is used. A solution of an ethyl alcohol substance can be of various calories, it all depends on the purpose of its use. The calorie content of an ethyl alcohol product is as follows:

• 96% ethyl is used in technical and food industries. This alcohol is used for medicinal purposes; undiluted, it cannot be used for internal consumption. It is this solution that is considered the purest alcohol.
• 95% ethyl is the most common in medicine, since it is used for external treatment of certain diseases, for treating the hands of a surgeon, during operations as an antiseptic; on its basis, medicinal preparations of tinctures and solutions for external and internal use are made. Therefore, it rightfully has the name of medical alcohol.
• 70% ethyl - used for the production of tinctures and medicines for external use. This solution is considered a good disinfectant and antiseptic.

You can or can't drink rubbing alcohol

What happens if you drink rubbing alcohol? If it is undiluted, it can severely burn the mouth and larynx. As a solution, this substance is harmful only in large quantities or with constant use.

For the production of high-quality 40% vodka, a 96% and 70% solution of alcohol is usually used, which is diluted with water, ideally with spring water, with the addition of other ingredients. Medical 95% alcohol can also be used to make vodka, but this is extremely rare on an industrial scale. In its pure form, a 95% alcohol solution can be used, but because of the sharp taste and strong effect of the mucous throat, it is desirable to dilute it with water or juice. The ideal proportion for 3 parts of 95% alcohol is 6 parts of water. Drinking an undiluted solution of 95% alcohol will greatly increase the intoxication.

A 95% alcohol solution, like all ethyl substances, is safe for the body if the rate of its use is observed. We can say that this solution is even safer than alcoholic beverages derived from ethyl alcohol, since it contains less of all kinds of impurities and fusel oils.

Consequences of drinking medical alcohol

The use of medical 95% alcohol, like any other alcoholic drink, in case of abuse, can lead to poisoning of the body, so you need to know when to stop. If consumed constantly, it is fraught with addiction and alcohol dependence.

When the body is intoxicated with a medicinal alcohol substance, there are general symptoms characteristic of poisoning with any alcohol. If poisoning occurs, then the following happens:

Addiction and dependence on the use of medical alcohol happens in the same way as with the use of any other alcoholic beverages, if you overdo it, so it is better to use it according to the name, only for medical purposes in accordance with the antiseptic effect.

The effect of methyl alcohol on the body. Ways to distinguish between methyl and ethyl alcohol.

Many people have mixed feelings about alcohol. Someone regularly uses alcoholic beverages, while others do not tolerate them. There are many alternatives to alcohol. Now on store shelves there are a lot of various tinctures based on hawthorn, mountain ash and medicinal herbs.

Unknowing people may think that any alcohol can be consumed. But in fact, this is wrong. After all, not all types of alcohol are alcohol, there are a lot of poisons among alcohols. Do not take methyl alcohol, as it is poisonous.

It is difficult to distinguish between ethyl and methyl alcohol by taste and smell. They are practically indistinguishable and you would not even guess that you are drinking a fake. The taste and smell is the same as that of ethyl alcohol. Alcohol was made by synthesis from hydrogen, but now this method is considered artisanal and is not used. The cheapest can be considered the production of petroleum products from waste.

Methanol is mainly used in the chemical industry. It is an adjuvant for the preparation of many solvents.

Scope of application of methyl alcohol:

• For the manufacture of solvents
• In the paint and varnish industry
• In the production of biodiesel from oils
• To combat hydrates in the gas industry

The fact is that 30-100 ml of methyl alcohol can lead to seizures and even death. Accordingly, it is impossible to make a mistake, as it is fraught with disastrous consequences. The alcohols taste and smell the same. A non-expert on taste will not distinguish these liquids.

Ways to check alcohol:

• Conflagration. Pour some liquid into a spoon and light it. Ethyl alcohol will burn with a blue flame, and methyl alcohol with green.
• Potato test. Peel potatoes and cut into pieces. Soak one slice in ethanol and the other in methanol. If the slice turns pink, there is a poison in front of you, that is, methyl alcohol. In alcohol, potatoes practically do not change color.
• Copper wire... Heat a piece of copper wire to black and dip in liquid. If you smell vinegar, then ethyl alcohol and you can drink it. If the smell is unpleasant, then methyl alcohol.

Below are the formulas for the alcohols:

CH3OH - methyl alcohol

С2Н5ОН - ethyl alcohol

How to check ethyl or methyl alcohol in alcohol - vodka or moonshine, at home?

There are several ways to identify a fake:

• Baking soda. Put some baking soda in the liquid and watch the reaction. If there are impurities of methyl alcohol, the soda will dissolve completely. If the product is of good quality, then a yellow precipitate is formed and alcohol can be drunk.
• Potassium permanganate. Pour potassium permanganate into a container with liquid. If bubbles appear on the surface, then methyl alcohol. If not, then ethyl.
• Boiling. This can be found with a thermometer, the boiling point of ethanol is 78 ° C, and the boiling point of methanol is 64 ° C.

This method is also used to identify alcohol. Ethanol burns with a blue flame, and harmful methanol burns green.

This indicator reacts to changes in acidity. The most interesting thing is that methyl orange is made on the basis of methyl alcohol. Therefore, when the indicator is added to methanol, nothing will change. The solution will be orange. Ethanol has an approximately neutral environment, therefore, the color will not change significantly. The solution will be orange. Thus, it is impossible to distinguish these alcohols using an indicator.

Methyl alcohol is a very strong poison, it has a nerve-paralytic effect. Approximately 30-100 ml of methanol causes severe poisoning and seizures.

Poisoning symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Salivation
• Impaired coordination of movements

To lose sight it is enough to drink 10 ml, and to die 30-100 ml.

If you are in doubt about the quality of alcohol, then do not drink it. But if, nevertheless, you could not resist, observe your condition.

Poisoning manifestation:

• Flies before the eyes
• Pressure surges
• Vomit
• Nausea
• Profuse drooling

In general, methanol accumulates in the body, so symptoms of poisoning may not appear immediately. On average, the effect of methanol appears from 30 minutes to 3 days. And the saddest thing is that on the third day it gets worse, not better. Loss of vision and infrequent urination may be noticed. This suggests that the kidneys are not working well.

First emergency aid for poisoning with methyl alcohol, methanol

Urgent care:

• Place patient on stomach if unconscious. This will help avoid choking.
• Give plenty of baking soda solution
• Make the sick person vomit
• Give the sick person a laxative
• Call an ambulance

The most interesting thing is that the antidote is pure alcohol or good vodka. It is necessary every 3 hours, 50 g of vodka.

In fact, the consequences of poisoning are very sad. This can lead to death or blindness.

Effects:

• Loss of sight
• Kidney failure
• Dyspnea
• Convulsions
• Epilepsy
• Cirrhosis

Poisoning options for inhalation of vapors:

• Poisoning can occur from contact with the skin when wiping the windshield. To prevent this from happening, you need to pour it into the car in a well-ventilated area, using gloves.
• You can get poisoned with methanol in the chemical industry. Methanol is also found in some paints, varnishes and solvents. Poisoning can occur if safety rules are not followed.
• And when painting or caring for a car (using chemicals), you must definitely follow the safety rules.

Methyl alcohol tastes and smells little different from ethyl alcohol, so be careful not to drink dubious alcoholic beverages.

VIDEO: Methyl alcohol

Also, on the basis of this component, many drugs are produced. The question of whether it is possible to drink ethyl alcohol is asked by the overwhelming majority of people.

Ethyl alcohol for external and internal use. What everyone should know

Ethyl alcohol for external use

Ethyl alcohol can be used internally in small amounts. It is usually distilled from grains, vegetables or fruits.

Pure ethyl alcohol is available for sale in pharmacies. It is used for external use - sterilization of medical instruments, wounds, etc.

Diluted ethyl alcohol with distilled water and other food components is available for sale in grocery stores, supermarkets, etc. It is used for internal use.

If the dose of alcohol is too high, serious harm can be caused to your health.

Ethyl alcohol is the main component of such alcoholic beverages as vodka, cognac, tequila, whiskey, absinthe, etc. It is safe for human health if consumed wisely. There are several recommendations on how to drink alcohol in order not to develop addiction and not to get problems:

• choose the right alcoholic beverages. When buying alcohol, you should pay attention to the murka - the manufacturer. It should be well-known and also have the most positive reviews from consumers. A good manufacturer makes high quality ethyl alcohol, which is intended for internal use, from natural products, which protects the buyer from poisoning and allergic reactions. Also, when choosing alcohol, you should pay attention to the entire composition of the drink, its date of manufacture, expiration date, and the integrity of the container.
• calculate the dose. Each person's body reacts differently to the effects of alcohol. Some can get satisfaction from 200 ml of the drunk alcohol, others feel discomfort. Ethyl alcohol, which is used for internal use, is not advisable to drink in large doses. It is permissible to consume up to 150 ml of alcohol at a time. So you can protect yourself from intoxication and hangover. It is also advisable to drink alcohol slowly, in small sips, and not on an empty stomach.
• give preference to only one type of alcohol. All alcoholic beverages have a different composition and degree. Mixing them together is not recommended. This can lead to severe intoxication, poisoning, and in rare cases, death.

It is always worth remembering that alcohol affects the human mind. His normal thinking is disturbed, he poorly evaluates the environment. Therefore, before you start using ethyl alcohol for internal use, you should think carefully, because it harms not only the nervous system, but also the entire body.

Poisoning with ethyl alcohol for external use

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to human health. It is forbidden to drink ethyl alcohol, which is intended for external use. It is highly irritating to the mucous membrane. Poisoning with ethyl alcohol has the following characteristic symptoms:

Poisoning with ethyl alcohol occurs when its concentration exceeds 3 g per 1 kg of body weight.

• clouding of consciousness. A person may not think well where and with whom he is, forget the way home, speak badly and not clearly, it is difficult to understand him.
• loss of normal coordination of movements. Even if you drink a small amount of ethyl alcohol, which is intended for external use, it will cause disruption of the vestibular apparatus. The person can hardly maintain balance and walk straight.
• nausea and vomiting. Ethyl alcohol is a toxin. The body is trying to cleanse itself of it as quickly as possible. Nausea and gagging are signs that the pancreas is not working properly. Under the influence of alcohol, it becomes very inflamed and cannot function normally. From this there is no digestion of food.

Ethyl alcohol, which is intended for external use, when consumed internally can cause severe intoxication, up to and including death.

Preparation of alcoholic beverages

High quality ethyl alcohol is used in the production of alcoholic beverages. It is checked using special installations and testers.

Alcoholic drinks are drinks that contain ethyl alcohol.

Often ethyl alcohol, which is intended for external use, is used to prepare alcoholic beverages at home. It is diluted with water, other fruit juices. It is not recommended for people who do not understand the technology of diluting alcohol. Thus, you can poison not only yourself, but also people who will drink this home-made alcohol.

Ethyl alcohol for external use is available for sale in pharmacies in a special container. It can be used only for its intended purpose - for the treatment of purulent wounds, as an antiseptic.

Ethyl alcohol is the main component of alcoholic beverages. It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of whether ethyl alcohol is present in the drinks, whether it is possible to drink them. There are many contraindications and tolerances for alcohol consumption. Many of them are categorical in a complete ban, others relate to the maximum allowable dose of alcohol.

A more accurate answer can be given if it concerns a chemical, since a whole class of organic compounds falls under the definition of alcohol, among which only ethyl is not a poison in a specified dosage.

What alcohol can you drink

Chemical compounds - alcohols have a lot in common and some have similar chemical and physical properties. Of all the varieties, only ethanol can be drunk without fear of severe poisoning (ethanol is the common abbreviation for ethyl alcohol).

Many do not know what kind of alcohol can be drunk, not seeing any difference between them. As a result, a person causes irreparable harm to his body, often with a fatal outcome.

What is the Difference Between Ethanol and Methanol

The difference between ethanol and methanol with similar properties lies in the chemical structure. Ethanol molecules have a more complex structure, so the physical properties of ethanol and methanol are different. The difference in boiling point is especially great. Having a simpler molecule, methanol has a low boiling point - + 65 ° C versus + 78 ° C for ethanol.

The difference in boiling point makes it easy to separate these 2 substances by distillation.

For humans, a more significant difference is the biological effect on the body. Ethanol itself is not poisonous, but its use causes alcohol intoxication of varying degrees of intoxication. Exceeding the permissible dose (4-12 g ethanol per 1 kg of body weight) can cause death.

Methanol is highly toxic and even in the amount of 1-2 mg per 1 kg of body weight causes death. Smaller doses cause poisoning and irreversible changes in the body. The most common consequence of methanol poisoning is blindness.

The situation is complicated by the fact that methanol and ethanol are completely identical in color, taste and smell. Therefore, for those who doubt whether it is possible to drink alcohol of unknown origin, you can give the answer that this is not worth doing, because the consequences can be irreparable.

The sale of formulations containing methanol is limited to avoid possible poisoning. If necessary, the formulations include a fragrance (denaturing additives) that impart an unpleasant odor. Unscrupulous manufacturers often use methanol as a cheap alternative, do not add substances with an unpleasant odor, and do not indicate the presence of methanol in the composition. This is most commonly seen in car washer fluid manufacturers.

Can I drink rubbing alcohol?

Medical alcohol is used as a local antiseptic, for the preparation of alcoholic medicines (tinctures and extracts) and, to a limited extent, as a vasodilator. Medical alcohol is made from ethanol and comes to pharmacies and hospitals in the form of solutions containing 70% or 95% of this substance.

In pharmacies, medical alcohol can be sold under various names.

Ethanol used for the preparation of solutions has a high degree of purification and does not contain impurities, except for purified water. The answer to the question of whether it is possible to drink medical alcohol lies only in the amount of the product.

Before drinking medical alcohol preparations, you need to remember that some people are characterized by hypersensitivity to alcohol, others it may be contraindicated in connection with:

• allergic reactions;
• individual intolerance;
• work associated with increased requirements for reaction (drivers, technicians);
• medical contraindications.

How to drink alcohol

Any alcoholic beverages contain ethanol. The difference lies in its concentration, reducing which, you can drink it, like any alcoholic drink. Therefore, before drinking alcohol, you need to dilute it by about half, then its strength will be equal to the strength of vodka. For dilution, you can use:

• clean water;
• juices;
• fruit drinks.

On the basis of undiluted ethanol, liqueurs are made on fruits and berries, where it is naturally diluted.

For dilution, you cannot use:

• mineral sparkling water;
• weak alcoholic drinks (, champagne).

Carbon dioxide, with which some drinks are saturated, accelerates the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, aggravating the degree of intoxication and its speed.

Undiluted alcohol can be drunk, but it can cause burns to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. In addition, concentrated alcohol will make the liver work in an increased mode, which means severe and other symptoms of alcohol intoxication. When drinking undiluted alcohol, it is difficult to control the dose drunk, as a result, intoxication can come suddenly and to a high degree.

What happens if you drink alcohol

Drinking ethanol has the same effects as drinking other alcoholic beverages. If you follow the measure of the drunk, nothing particularly terrible will happen. But for some people, the line where alcohol consumption develops into addiction is thin, and they don't notice when they cross.

If you ask the doctors what kind of alcohol you shouldn't drink, then the answer will be the same - you can't. But if we are not talking about long-term forecasts of health, then you can drink only ethanol and products based on it.

Methyl, isopropyl and other alcohols are strong poisons, the lethal (lethal) dose of which is low. Poisoning by low-quality alcoholic beverages made in an artisanal or clandestine way from untested raw materials is the most common, especially on holidays.