The State of São Paulo recorded nine cases of methanol poisoning in 25 dayswhich led to the release of a warning by the National Secretariat of Drug Policy and Asset Management (Senad) of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
In a statement, the Secretariat informs that the cases occurred from the intake of adulterated alcohol.
The cases were notified by the Campinas (SP) toxicological Information and Assistance Center (Ciatox), a reference unit in toxicology in the state and which serves several municipalities, and were referred to the secretariat because they are considered “outside the short period of time and also to deflect the cases to date notified of methanol intoxication”.
“Ciatox has received, in the last two years, cases of methanol intoxication from fuel consumption due to deliberate intake in substance abuse contexts, often associated with the homeless, according to today’s notification, ingestion took place in social alcohol scenes, including bars, and with different types of drink, such as gin, whiskey, vodka, among others”, among others ” informs.
A peak of cases occurred in the region, in the first half of 2023, with intoxication of 14 homeless people.
THE Brazil agencythe Health Department of Campinas reported that there was no record of methanol poisoning in the city this year and that “Ciatox conducts analyzes for several municipalities”. Campinas City Hall reported carrying out illegal market and counterfeit alcohol trade, the latest being at the beginning of the month with the supervision of 130 establishments and 48 types of products.
The report tried to contact the State Secretariats of Health and Public Safety and Ciatox and awaits return. The space is open to manifestations.
What is methanol
Methanol is a liquid, flammable and colorless substance. Is widely used as a solvent, in the manufacture of fuels, plastics, paints and medicines
It has great poisoning potential, and when consumed it can lead to death even in small doses.
