Context:
Tamil Nadu illicit liquor tragedy has claimed more than 50 lives. Deaths have been attributed to methanol (methyl alcohol) poisoning from illicitly produced Hooch /Spurious liquor.
Hooch is a commonly used term for poor quality alcohol. Sometimes, it also contains methanol, an industrial alcohol along with ethanol.
Methanol (CH3OH):
- Also known as wood Alcohol or spirit (traditionally produced by destructive distillation of wood).
- Modern method of preparing methanol is based on syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) derived from biomass or other sources.
- Characteristics – A colourless and fairly volatile liquid with a faintly sweet pungent odour.
- Completely mixable with water and it is an antifreeze agent.
- Applications –
- Used as solvent in paints, varnishes and chiefly for making formaldehyde.
- Can be used as a biodegradable energy resource.
- Ingestion of even small quantities of methanol can cause blindness and large quantities causes’ even death.
Regulatory Framework:
- Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations 2018 stipulate maximum permissible quantities of methanol in liquors.
- Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules 1989, included in Schedule 1.
- Many States/UTs have prohibited sale of alcoholic drinks (including methyl alcohol). E.g. Bihar, Gujarat, etc.
Ethanol (C2H5OH):
- Obtained commercially by fermentation, oldest method is from sugars.
- It is colourless liquid.
- Uses – As a solvent in paint industry, as a renewable fuel and preparation of number of carbon compounds
- Impact – Affects central nervous system, judgment and lowers inhibitions
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
‘Triclosan’, considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) Food preservatives
(b) Fruit-ripening substances
(c) Reused plastic containers
(d) Toiletries
Answer: (d)
