The root cause of fake and low-quality alcohol is methanol

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　　Some people can drink thousands of drinks without getting drunk; they have a high tolerance to ethanol. Yet when they do drink, they can still become intoxicated and experience hallucinations. Apart from the effect of ethanol, it is mainly the methanol contained in fake or low-quality alcohol that is responsible for this. 　　Methanol is a volatile liquid that is flammable; it has an odor similar to ethanol and can be absorbed through the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Ingesting methanol or inhaling its vapors can both cause methanol poisoning. Fake or low-quality alcohol contains high concentrations of methanol; therefore, consuming such alcohol is the most common cause of acute methanol poisoning. Methanol and its metabolites have a strong toxic effect on the central nervous system, and can cause damage to the lungs, brain, liver, and kidneys. It is generally believed that 5–10 milliliters of methanol ingested orally can cause severe poisoning, while 30 milliliters can be fatal. 　　In cases of mild poisoning, the person is in a state similar to that of being drunk. Those with moderate poisoning experience symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, hallucinations, visual hallucinations, cold limbs, and unsteady gait. In severe cases, there may be pale or cyanotic skin, accelerated breathing and pulse, cold sweats, confusion, delirium, and even shock and coma; ultimately, respiratory and circulatory failure leads to death. We agree with the views of readers such as Huang Zhizhi from Chaohu City, Anhui Province, Luo Mingzheng from Guangping County, Hebei Province, and Wu Pingda from Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: \"Based on the information provided in the case, Lu Zhigao already shows symptoms of moderate methanol poisoning.\" ” 　　For first-aid treatment at home in cases of acute methanol poisoning, in cases of oral ingestion, the poisoned person should be given water to drink followed by induction of vomiting; in cases of inhalation exposure, the person should be quickly moved to a place with fresh air to keep the airways unobstructed. Second is symptomatic treatment: ① For those in shock or unconsciousness, they should be laid flat with their head slightly lowered and turned to one side; foreign objects in the mouth should be removed promptly to keep the airway unobstructed. ②Those with stopped breathing should be given artificial respiration immediately, and 120 should be called urgently.