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British authorities has placed eleven more countries to its public warning roster concerning the threats of industrial alcohol poisoning from tainted spirits.

The updated warning features Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda due to reports of "an international surge in the incidence of confirmed occurrences" of industrial alcohol poisoning.

Only last month, officials had previously placed Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the current list, following multiple serious cases such as the tragic loss of six tourists in Laos in 2024.

Tourists are being warned that even minimal doses of industrial alcohol can lead to permanent eye damage or loss of life within twelve to forty-eight hours.

What is Toxic Alcohol and How is it Employed?

Toxic alcohol is a harmful substance commonly used in coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and thinner. It is not designed for drinking.

While it is inherently formed during the production of spirits, licensed producers lower it to non-dangerous concentrations for human consumption through the refining procedure.

However in some countries, it is clandestinely blended into alcoholic drinks to cut costs, and since it is tasteless and odourless, it is very difficult to detect.

Authorities' Recommendations for Tourists

Authorities minister the minister emphasized that all travellers should be aware of the symptoms of toxic alcohol toxicity.

"When you are consuming alcohol abroad, choose reputable establishments and refrain from local brews or unspecified beverages," the official warned.

"Should anything seems unusual, such as a headache that's much more severe than usual or sight issues – contact a doctor fast."

The entire register of nations identified as presenting a danger of toxic alcohol toxicity currently features: Brazil, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Essential Facts About Methanol Poisoning

• Toxic alcohol is a poisonous compound not designed for drinking.
• Even tiny quantities can lead to permanent eye damage or death.
• Symptoms can involve unusual fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain, vertigo, and vision problems.
• Tourists are advised to exclusively have commercially bottled alcohol from trusted establishments.
• Should you believe toxic alcohol toxicity, contact a doctor right away.