Methanol (also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol) is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive odor. It is the simplest form of alcohol, and is a light, volatile, flammable liquid. Methanol is produced industrially by the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide.
Methanol has a wide range of uses, including as an antifreeze, solvent, fuel, and raw material for the production of chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetic acid. Methanol is also used as a denaturant for ethanol (ethyl alcohol).
Methanol is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested in large quantities. The toxicity of methanol is due to its metabolism to formaldehyde and formic acid in the body. Formaldehyde is a highly reactive compound that can bind to DNA and other cellular molecules, causing damage that can lead to cell death. Formic acid accumulates in the nervous system and causes blindness. If untreated, methanol poisoning can be fatal.
Methanol is produced naturally in small amounts by bacteria in the gut flora of mammals and birds. Ingestion of small quantities of methanol does not appear to cause harm; however there have been reports of people going blind after drinking moonshine liquor that was distilled from contaminated water sources containing high levels of methanol.