[Methanol poisoning in alcohol abusers]

Methanol (wood alcohol) is sold in Denmark only to factories and laboratories with a certified knowledge of the substance or to individuals holding a special licence. Methanol is nowadays used as a solvent or for syntheses only. During a six-year period three cases of methanol poisoning were found in a selected forensic material. A screening for alcohols is routinely performed in connection with all medicolegal autopsies when the presence of alcohols cannot be ruled out in advance. All three cases concerned men accustomed to a substantial intake of alcohol. Two of the cases were accidental deaths due to methanol poisoning. The third case was suicide committed by the ingestion of a herbicide containing methanol. Methanol poisonings are rare, but do still occur. It is, therefore, important for physicians to be aware of the symptoms and know the treatment.