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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Petra Stock

How can I tell if there’s methanol in my drink?

Ethanol Ian Musgrave Alcohol Doctors Without Borders Laos
It is possible to detect the presence of methanol in a drink but home tests or portable devices are not commercially available.
It is possible to detect the presence of methanol in a drink but home tests or portable devices are not commercially available. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian

The risks of methanol poisoning are in sharp focus this week after the tragic deaths of several young people in Laos, including Melbourne teens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones.

According to Doctors Without Borders, thousands of people are poisoned by methanol every year, with outbreaks killing 20% to 40% of victims.

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