Abstract

Dr. İrem Akin Şen*, Dr. Metin Kilinç and Prof. Dr. Hülya Sungurtekin

ABSTRACT

The methyl alcohol is a clear, odorless and toxic chemical substance which is found in many products such as antifreeze, defroster solutions, paint removers, and cologne and of which taste is similar to the ethyl alcohol.[1] Although methanol itself is not very toxic, its metabolites are very toxic. It is metabolized to the formaldehyde by the alcohol-dehydrogenase and then to the formic acid. These metabolites are responsible for the metabolic acidosis, blindness, cardiovascular instability and methanol toxicity that can cause to the death.[2] Poisoning frequently happens after the oral intake; however, absorption can happen through the lungs and skin. It reaches the high levels in the kidney, liver and gastrointestinal system following the intake; but, it is also found in the vitreous humor and optic nerve at the high levels.[3,4]