All alcohols are NOT created equal! Alcohols may be flammable, but there is one alcohol whose flammability is NOT its primary hazard.
Most know about ETHANOL. It is used in fuels, as well as in food and drinks. It is flammable, and its flammability is its PRIMARY HAZARD.
But its sister, METHANOL, is VERY DIFFERENT. Both are flammable, but METHANOL is very toxic, making its TOXICITY its PRIMARY HAZARD. A methanol dose of approximately 1 g/kg (0.016 ounces/pound) of body weight is potentially lethal.
Some of you may recall the fatalities during COVID from Methanol poisoning. There was such a demand for ethanol to make hand sanitizers that some companies began using METHANOL in their hand sanitizers. In one such case I was consulted on, the container stated the sanitizer contained METHANOL, and it was used by a group of people, one of whom died, and several others became very ill, hospitalized for weeks.
The FDA created a webpage in 2020 to warn of these hazards and recalled dozens of brands due to methanol contamination.
Methanol is readily absorbed through the skin. Absorption rates can vary, but studies have shown that methanol can be absorbed through the skin at an average rate of 0.192 mg/cm2/min. Prolonged or repeated skin contact can lead to dermal irritation, dryness, and cracking, according to US Methanol.
Here’s a more detailed look at methanol absorption through the skin:
Absorption Rate:
Studies have shown that methanol can be absorbed through the skin at an average rate of 0.192 mg/cm2/min, according to a study published in PubMed. Another study reports the mean calculated absorption rate as 11.5 mg/cm/h for 60 minutes of exposure.
Factors Affecting Absorption:
The rate of absorption can be influenced by factors such as the concentration of methanol, the duration of exposure, and the condition of the skin.
Dermal Irritation:
Repeated exposure can cause dermal irritation, dryness, and cracking. US Methanol also notes that repeated contact can cause dermal irritation, dryness, and cracking.
Systemic Effects:
Absorption through the skin can lead to systemic toxicity, meaning the methanol can spread throughout the body and cause harmful effects.
Routes of Exposure:
Methanol can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, or eye contact.
Protective Measures:
Chemical-resistant clothing, gloves, and eye protection should be worn when working with methanol to minimize skin contact and inhalation.