Mass metanol poisoning in the Czech Republic in 2012: a comparison with "metanol epidemics" in other countries
Abstract
Within the retrospective study we analyzed available epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory toxicological data on mass methanol poisonings in the world. For a detailed comparison, we selected the mass poisoning in Estonia in 2001 and in Norway in 2002-2004.
The data on mass poisoning with methanol in the Czech Republic were obtained from the discharge reports and questionnaires completed by treating physicians. Results: The total number of intoxications and overall mortality in the mass methanol poisoning in CR was comparable with ones in the incidents in Estonia and in Norway.
Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common symptoms in the Czech Republic (63%) and Estonia (49%), followed by visual disturbances, dyspnea, coma, and chest pain. In Norway the visual disturbances (55%) were on the first place.