Analysis of methanol and its derivatives in illegally produced alcoholic beverages


Arslan M. M., ZEREN C., AYDIN Z., AKÇAN R., DOKUYUCU R., Keten A., ...More

JOURNAL OF FORENSIC AND LEGAL MEDICINE, vol.33, pp.56-60, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

Abstract

Introduction: Illegal alcohol production remains as a common issue worldwide. Methanol poisoning mostly occurs because of the methanol used in production of counterfeit alcohol instead of ethyl alcohol due to its low price or by drinking the liquids containing methyl alcohol. Pectolytic enzymes results in an increase of methanol levels in many fermentation products such as ciders or wines. Methanol poisonings are infrequently encountered in forensic medicine practice. However, sporadic cases due to methanol intoxication as well as epidemic cases have been reported. In this study, we aimed to identify existence of methanol and its metabolites in illegally produced alcoholic beverages used in Antakya region.