Travellers warned of methanol poisoning risks in new campaign
When Calum MacDonald visited a bar in Laos, two days after drinking, he experienced a “blinding, kaleidoscopic light” that permanently impaired his vision.
Like many other travelers, MacDonald was poisoned by methanol.
MacDonald part of UK as thousands of holidaymakers prepare to travel government campaign, external To raise awareness about the risks that disrupt life.
MacDonald, from Surrey, in his 20s, told BBC Breakfast he was unaware of the dangers of traveling in 2024 and if he had known, “I’d probably be in a different situation today.”
Methanol is a highly toxic, industrial-strength form of alcohol that can sometimes be found in counterfeit, illegally produced or contaminated alcoholic beverages.
As little as 30 ml (about one shot) can be fatal to an adult, while smaller amounts can cause serious and permanent damage, including blindness.
UK government travel advice now includes methanol poisoning warnings for twenty-nine destinations, including popular tourist destinations such as Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam.
Among those who died after consuming methanol was Margaret McKie’s daughter Kirsty, 38.
Originally from Stockport, Kirsty was living in Bali and engaged to a man who owned a wine business and restaurant, so she was careful to only buy alcohol from reputable suppliers.
“Kirsty never once thought about it when she got sick. [methanol poisoning] “That’s what could have gone wrong,” McKie told BBC Breakfast.
“He was pretty tired, he had been working out a lot, he had had a few drinks, he thought he had a hangover, he didn’t seek help, and when he lost consciousness his fiancée took him to hospital and at that point it was too late to save him.”
