Counterfeit alcohol cannot be identified by color, smell, or taste! What should be done in case of poisoning? The first 6 hours are very risky!

"DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE TAX STAMP, COUNTERFEIT ALCOHOL CAN ALSO HAVE A STAMP!"

Stating that it is impossible to tell if alcohol is counterfeit by its color, smell, or taste, Prof. Dr. Aydın made the following statements on the subject:

"COUNTERFEIT ALCOHOL CAN ONLY BE IDENTIFIED BY LABORATORY TESTS"

“Counterfeit alcohol is alcoholic beverage produced using methyl alcohol instead of ethyl alcohol outside of legal production processes. Whether alcohol is counterfeit can only be determined by laboratory tests. These tests can detect whether the alcohol contains toxic methyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol.

We know that alcoholic beverages are released to the market with tax stamps after being produced through legal channels. However, the fact that a bottle has a tax stamp does not necessarily mean it was produced legally and is not counterfeit. Cases of counterfeit tax stamp usage are also encountered in the market.

"BEWARE OF HOME-MADE ALCOHOL"

Another risky issue that needs attention is home-made alcohol. It is generally impossible to know whether the alcohol used in home-made drinks is ethyl or methyl.”

Emphasizing that citizens should approach cheap alcohol with caution, Yeditepe University Vice Rector and Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın also issued the following warnings:

"COUNTERFEIT ALCOHOL TURNS INTO ACID ONCE IT ENTERS THE BODY"

“Methyl alcohol, which is used in counterfeit drinks and is cheaper, metabolizes in the body and turns into formic acid. This process turns the blood's neutral pH value into an acidic state and leads to acidosis.

Acidosis causes serious damage to all cells and organs. Unfortunately, this situation can lead to people losing their lives.”

"THE FIRST SIX HOURS ARE VERY IMPORTANT"

Emphasizing that the first 6 hours from the moment alcohol is ingested are very critical, Prof. Dr. Aydın shared the following information:

“Symptoms such as blurred vision may appear 6 hours after consuming counterfeit alcohol. However, the actual symptoms of poisoning become evident 10-24 hours after the consumption of counterfeit alcohol. If a person is not treated for alcohol poisoning, they may face serious consequences such as vision loss and may even become completely blind. The severity of the poisoning depends on the degree of acidosis that occurs in the body.

"MAIN SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL POISONING"

The main symptoms of alcohol poisoning are; confusion, balance and movement disorders, headache, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, pain in the back, arms, and legs, visual impairment, blindness, and if left untreated, death resulting from coma and respiratory arrest.

"EVEN HALF A TEA GLASS CAN CAUSE DEATH"

Even half a tea glass of pure methyl alcohol (30 ml) can be fatal. Inducing vomiting in the patient after poisoning symptoms appear is not effective. However, inducing vomiting within a maximum of 1 hour from the time of alcohol intake can be beneficial.

In cases of poisoning, early diagnosis and rapid intervention in the hospital are of vital importance.”

"IT IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES TO KEEP ANTIDOTE STOCKS UPDATED"

Stating that poisoned individuals should be taken to the hospital immediately, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın:

“With a blood analysis to be performed at the hospital, it can be determined in a very short time whether there is methyl alcohol in the blood. After examinations and tests, appropriate treatment is applied against acidosis, which is the most important result of poisoning.

Simultaneously, an antidote is also given to the poisoned person. Treatment protocols are carried out by emergency services in accordance with standards.

Furthermore, it is of vital importance for emergency services to keep their antidote stocks constantly updated,” he concluded.