Citation

Kristensen IB, Hansen AC. Ugeskr. Laeger 1994; 156(15): 2250-2251.

Vernacular Title

Traespritforgiftning hos alkoholmisbrugere.

Affiliation

Aarhus Universitet, Retsmedicinsk Institut, retskemisk afdeling.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Den Alm Danske Laegerforening)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8016954

Abstract

Methanol (wood alcohol) is sold in Denmark only to factories and laboratories with a certified knowledge of the substance or to individuals holding a special licence. Methanol is nowadays used as a solvent or for syntheses only. During a six-year period three cases of methanol poisoning were found in a selected forensic material. A screening for alcohols is routinely performed in connection with all medicolegal autopsies when the presence of alcohols cannot be ruled out in advance. All three cases concerned men accustomed to a substantial intake of alcohol. Two of the cases were accidental deaths due to methanol poisoning. The third case was suicide committed by the ingestion of a herbicide containing methanol. Methanol poisonings are rare, but do still occur. It is, therefore, important for physicians to be aware of the symptoms and know the treatment.

Language: da