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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Health
Chris Smith

What is methanol poisoning? The colourless, tasteless liquid that can kill

Six tourists who were staying at a youth hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, died of methanol poisoning in November 2024. The methanol was believed to be in contaminated drinks.

Methanol – a colourless, tasteless liquid – is extremely toxic. As little as 60ml can be deadly – that’s less than a triple UK shot of alcohol (ethanol).

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