Hidden perils of methanol as friends fight for life

As two Australian best friends cling to life in Thailand hospitals after suspected methanol poisoning, a toxicology expert says there are no warning signs of a fatal dose of the chemical. Bianca Jones and Holly Bowes are reported to have unknowingly consumed methanol while out in the popular Laos party town of Vang Vieng. Publicity over the case of the stricken 19-year-olds has prompted tourists in the region to take extra precautions, after the families of the Melbourne backpackers rushed to be by their sides. The friends were staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng and drank at the venue before going to a Jaidee bar on November 11. They then did not leave their dorm room for 24 hours and reported feeling unwell on November 13. Two other travellers have died and at least a dozen people were reportedly hospitalised after also drinking the substance. Methanol tasted and smelt like standard alcohol and was often used as a substitute in illegal alcoholic beverages, Deputy Director and Head of Emergency Medicine at University of Melbourne George Braitberg told AAP. He said it would initially cause the same symptoms of drunkedness and could take 8-18 hours before the toxic effects from methanol were felt and possibly lead to multi-organ failure. The chemical liquid contained a toxic metabolite known as formic acid, Professor Braitberg said, which was concentrated in the eyes “causing blurred vision and possible blindness”. It then entered the brain leading to confusion, seizures and coma, before the acid built up in the body causing respiratory failure, circulatory shock and kidney failure, he said. The potential lethal dose can be different for everyone, just as the rate in which different people metabolise alcohol, but in general 1gm per kg is considered a possible fatal dose. Hospital treatment such as intravenous fluids, dialysis and intensive care could help people recover, Pro Braitberg said, with early action the key to survival. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said consular assistance was being provided to two Australians and their families in Thailand. The Jones family said they “can’t believe what has happened to our angel,” according to a statement issued to the Herald Sun. “Our beautiful Bianca was on a dream getaway with her best friend Holly,” they told the newspaper.” Ms Jones and Ms Bowles both played for the Beaumaris Football Club, which has offered its support to the teens are their families.