In a conversation, a physician from Kuban revealed the possible reason behind the mass-poisoning incident in Sochi, attributed to illicit spirit known as chacha.
In a recent incident reported by the "Krasnodar" TV channel, twelve individuals were poisoned by homemade moonshine in Adler. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of consuming alcohol of unknown origin, especially when it comes to surrogate alcohol like moonshine.
Dr. Alexander Gorachev, a methodologist at the Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention of the Kuban Ministry of Health, commented on the situation. He strongly advises purchasing alcohol only from licensed retailers.
Methanol, a toxic alcohol sometimes present in homemade or illicit alcohol due to improper distillation or using the wrong raw materials, is the primary culprit behind such incidents. Methanol is a substance that can cause serious harm to the body, and it is almost indistinguishable from ethanol in taste and smell.
Proper distillation is critical when it comes to moonshine. When done correctly, moonshine usually does not contain methanol or other toxic impurities like fusel oils or acetone. However, methanol forms mainly if the distillation process or fermentation materials are mishandled.
To minimize the risk of methanol, it's essential to avoid fermenting materials high in pectin such as fruit skins and seeds, which produce more methanol if improperly handled. Additionally, discard the "foreshots," the first portion of distillate, since methanol boils at a lower temperature and comes off early in the distillation process.
However, it's important to note that physical tests are limited. Methanol cannot be reliably detected by smell or color. One practical home test for alcohol strength (proof) is the flame test, which can confirm ethanol content but does not distinguish methanol from ethanol or detect methanol specifically.
If you encounter symptoms of poisoning after drinking moonshine, such as severe weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, visual impairment, and confusion, seek immediate medical help. In the body, methanol is converted into formaldehyde and formic acid, which damage the nervous system, organs of sight, and breathing. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, vision disturbances, confusion, seizures, coma, and death.
Dr. Gorachev warns against consuming alcoholic beverages of unknown origin, especially if they are very cheap. He reiterates that counterfeit alcohol is deadly. He also emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself and one's loved ones. In case of poisoning, it is necessary to call an ambulance immediately.
Until the ambulance arrives, it is advisable to rinse the stomach, give the victim sorbents, and plenty of water to drink. Earlier, both suspects in the case of fatal moonshine poisoning in Sochi were arrested.
In light of this incident, Dr. Gorachev advises checking the packaging and the presence of excise marks on alcoholic beverages to ensure their authenticity. He urges everyone to be aware of the dangers of surrogate alcohol and to always prioritize their safety and health.
- Dr. Gorachev urges everyone to prioritize their health and wellness, and to always purchase alcohol from licensed retailers to avoid potential risks, especially when it comes to homemade or surrogate alcohol like moonshine.
- Methanol, a toxic substance often found in improperly distilled or illegally produced alcohol, can cause severe harm to the body, including damage to the nervous system, organs of sight, and breathing.
- To minimize the risk of methanol, it's important to avoid fermenting materials high in pectin and discard the first portion of distillate during the distillation process, as methanol boils at a lower temperature and comes off early.
- If you experience symptoms of alcohol poisoning, such as severe weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, visual impairment, and confusion after consuming moonshine, seek immediate medical help, rinse the stomach, give the victim sorbents, and plenty of water to drink until the ambulance arrives.
