Methylated spirit is commonly known as denatured alcohol. It is basically ethanol that has certain additives that make it poisonous, very smelly and dangerous to consume.
Methylated spirit is ethyl alcohol or ethanol that contains about 10% methanol, which is why it's called 'methylated' spirit. As we've already discussed, ethanol is the only alcohol that's safe for consumption; it's present in wine, beer, and various other alcoholic beverages.
Methylated spirits is 70-99% ethanol with bittering agents added to give it an intensely unpleasant taste to discourage consumption.
Of course not. It's not possible to safely get drunk on anything, but methylated spirits is one of the worst things you could try.
The most commonly used alcohol-based hand sanitisers are isopropyl alcohol or a form of denatured ethanol (i.e. industrial methylated spirits), normally at a 70% concentration.
Methylated spirits is safe to use on glass, sinks, chrome taps, ceramic, stone, marble and grout. (Do not use on painted or varnished surfaces).
Because methylated spirits are so cheap, it did become the drink of choice for many poor and unhoused men in the East End in the 1960s. Bernard had a tough life, and although he had no family left in the area, he returned to Poplar when he had nowhere else to go.
A blood concentration of 1.8 g/L (180 mg/dL, 39 mmol/L) would usually cause intoxication and concentrations of 3.5 g/L (350 mg/dL, 76 mmol/L) are associated with stupor and coma. Concentrations of > 4.5 g/L (450 mg/dL, 98 mmol/L) are often fatal.
Quick Reference. A mixture consisting mainly of ethyl alcohol with methyl alcohol and petroleum hydrocarbons. The addition of pyridine gives it an objectionable smell, and the dye methyl violet is added to make it recognizable as unfit to drink.
The main additive usually is 10% methanol (methyl alcohol), hence the name methylated spirits. Other common additives include isopropyl alcohol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone. Denatured alcohol blends average 60 to 90% ethanol.
Most people prefer using either turpentine, white spirit or methylated spirit, but the choice is yours, really. Turpentine is stronger than both of these alternatives, though.
Specific hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapour. May form flammable vapour mixtures with air. Flameproof equipment necessary in area where this chemical is being used. Nearby equipment must be earthed.
Mineral turpentine is considered to have more solvency than methylated spirits. This means that it has the greater ability to dissolve with other solvents. Turpentine is considered to be more dangerous than methylated spirits as it is highly flammable and can irritate the skin and eyes.
Methylated spirit is 10% methanol and 90% ethanol which is denatured alcohol used as a solvent and as fuel which is not fit for drinking as it is highly toxic in nature.
Methylated spirits is NOT toxic to skin (unlike lead, cadmium, ricin, etc).
If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a provider.
The use of methylated spirits for household cleaning by adults and children, resulting in dermal or inhalation exposure, is unlikely to represent a health risk. Methylated spirits contacting with the eye will cause immediate discomfort and may damage the eye lasting over a week.
Metho is an effective non-smearing cleaner and disinfectant for hard surfaces including glass, mirrors, showers, tiles, jewellery, fridges and other household appliances. It's popular for removing ink and other stains from non-porous surfaces, upholstery and clothes too.
METHYLATED SPIRITS - 99% PURE - 20L
This pure dissolved alcohol is used as a solvent and as a fuel for alcohol burners. It is used for a multitude of cleaning tasks.
Methylated spirits can leave chemical residues on surfaces which may taint food rendering it unsuitable. Citrus based cleaners are not proven to have a sanitising effect and should only be used as cleaning agents.
Keep an eye on things. Methylated spirits are extremely flammable. Incorrect use has resulted in accidents and disfiguring burns.
Early symptoms: Occur within 1 hours, mild CNS depression, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Late symptoms 12-24 hours: headache, dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision and photophobia. Severe symptoms: Tachypnoea (in response to the metabolic acidosis), drowsiness and blindness.
Although methylated spirits or denatured alcohol is a safe and mostly natural product, here are some things to keep in mind while using it. Avoid using this solution directly on wooden and plastic surfaces, especially polished ones.
Methylated spirit (alcohol) may slowly dissolve some kinds of plastics (like PVC, nylon or polyester), not all. Since the process is very slow, a gum-like material may be formed on the surface. Complete dissolution may require weeks or months with the piece of plastic completely immersed in the spirit.