Anyone ever drink some fuel on accident?  
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All Forums >> Glow Engines, Gas Engines, Fuel & Mfg Support Forums >> RC Fuels >> Anyone ever drink some fuel on accident?
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Anyone ever drink some fuel on accident? - 5/31/2002 5:29:49 AM   
Kalos



Posts: 31
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Oxford, Mississippi
Status: offline 		i accidently swallowed a little fuel while checking tank. Am I ok?
       Post #: 1

Go see a DOC! - 5/31/2002 5:56:35 AM   
Homebrewer



Posts: 1335
Joined: 12/29/2001
From: Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Status: offline 		I had to check my tank for a blockage in the line today and also got a mouthful. I didn't swallow any, but got a splash into my back of my mouth, upper throat. Let's say that my autonomic nervous system did a wonderful job activing my gag reflex. The nitro burning sensation wasn't very pleasant. Luckily, I didn't swallow any, just got a good rinsing of in my mouth. You, however, stated you swalled some and I recommend you see a doctor immediately.

People who ingest even a little methanol should get to an emergency room immediately, experts say. The poison makes the blood acidic, but the process can be halted if treatment begins within a few hours of consuming the chemical (http://www.drkoop.com/news/stories/2001/feb/hs/08_methanol.html) Methanol, by itself is not dangerous, but the body breaks it down into other compounds that are dangerous, formic acid being the most dangerous.

Doses as low as 25 cc of 40% methanol have been reported as causing toxicity. In other cases doses up to 500 cc have occurred with no side effects. Most sources consider the minimal lethal dose to be around 100 cc (1 g/kg). Poisoning with methanol may be accidental or intentional. There have been epidemics of methanol toxicity in cases where illicit whiskey has been sold to large populations or when the less expensive methanol was substituted for ethanol in drinks.

Once methanol is absorbed it is rapidly distributed in the body water with peak blood levels occurring in about 30 to 90 minutes after exposure. If ethanol is not present 2-5% of the methanol is excreted unchanged by the kidneys and a small amount is eliminated by the lungs. At low blood levels the half-life of methanol is 2-3 hours.

The presentation within the first 1-2 hours may be similar to ethanol intoxication in that the patient may have drowsiness, vertigo, and uninhibited behavior. There is typically a delay of the toxic symptoms anywhere from six-30 hours and longer if ethanol has been co-ingested. In cases of methanol ingestion a lack of symptoms early on does not mean that the patient has not ingested a toxic amount of methanol

The good news (I'm being sarcastic) is that one treatment is the introduction via IV of ethanol (regular good old alcohol used to get drunk). Ethanol slows down the metabolization of methanol.
There are other options that are also used such as dialysis to eliminate the formic acid and other bad stuff that methanol breaks down into the body.

Good luck and please see a doc immediately if you think you consumed more than that above stated amounts of methanol.

(in reply to Kalos)
       Post #: 2

methanol - 5/31/2002 1:56:40 PM   
fiery


 

Posts: 1004
Joined: 2/2/2002
From: Hervey Bay Queensland, AUSTRALIA
Status: offline 		Dear Mr Moderator

Thanks for the very informative post on the dangers of this fuel component. There is one more thing; many years ago I was told by an old chemist that methanol consumption/poisoning could cause permanent blindness.



Is this true, or just an "old wives tale" from the days when it was commonly known as "wood alcohol"?

It may be that its toxicity is the reason I always get a blinding headache when I spill fuel on my skin and don't wash it off immediately.

regards

fiery

(in reply to Kalos)
       Post #: 3

Blindess - 5/31/2002 5:00:42 PM   
Homebrewer



Posts: 1335
Joined: 12/29/2001
From: Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Status: offline 		Visual impairment such as blurred vision may be an initial symptom of methanol poisoning. Permanent or temporary blindess is usually associated with those individuals lucky enough to have survived the poisoning.

(in reply to Kalos)
       Post #: 4

Anyone ever drink some fuel on accident? - 6/1/2002 3:53:00 AM   
Ladyflyer



Posts: 1035
Joined: 1/13/2002
From: North Am, PA, USA
Status: offline 		Believe it or not Denatured Alcohol is natural alcohol that has had poison intentionaly added BY LAW to prevent poor folks who cannot afford Mad Dog 20/20 or some Thunderbird from drinking it.
It also kills folks who are trying to dodge the liquor tax !
Big Brother strikes again ! Wait till the ACLU gets to the bottom of this ! Some blind old wino will sue the corporation that made the alcohol ,the GUVMENT will fine them 10 Billion bucks , The lawyers and BIG BRO will walk away fat and happy and the poor old wino will die blind and broke

With the little bit you took in I doubt if you will even need glasses

Hey homebrewer sounds like you may be making more than just fuel !


Seriously , A call to poison control at the very least would be prudent and better a wasted trip to the E-room than a needless trip to the other place ! Take care !

_____________________________

LF
When they have to say "NO FEAR" it really means NO SENSE.

(in reply to Kalos)
       Post #: 5

Anyone ever drink some fuel on accident? - 6/4/2002 10:48:38 PM   
Syn


 

Posts: 7
Joined: 5/28/2002
Status: offline 		Actually, I learned this is biochemistry in high school. The body actually turns the methanol, though some mysterious reactions, into FORMALDEHYDE. Yep, you heard me. This is what causes the blindness.

But look on the bright side, you will leave a very preserved corps. ;-D

(in reply to Kalos)
       Post #: 6

So what happened ? - 7/11/2002 6:56:02 AM   
Flying Scotsman



Posts: 293
Joined: 3/21/2002
From: TX
Status: offline 		Hey Kalos,

What was the outcome on this one..? I guess if you don't reply then you either died or you have gone blind!

By the way, is it true that it taste's like Shiner Bock? I wonder if you can get it in Lite? Hmmmmm, Shiner Bock (Homer style)

(in reply to Kalos)
       Post #: 7

HE HE - 7/12/2002 5:37:59 AM   
Kalos



Posts: 31
Joined: 2/25/2002
From: Oxford, Mississippi
Status: offline 		Everything is fine!!!!Thanks for the input guys. Little reminder.......if you blow into your tank release your finger first not your tongue.!!!

_____________________________

Helicopters are for the "birds"!!!!!!!

(in reply to Kalos)
       Post #: 8

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