What Should I Do If I Accidentally Consume Alcohol?

Commonly used for disinfection, alcohol is colorless and odorless. However, if ingested accidentally, it can pose significant harm to the body, necessitating prompt measures. If the ingested alcohol is industrial or of high concentration, it is recommended to induce vomiting and wash the stomach to prevent alcohol poisoning caused by alcohol erosion.

Alcohol can be classified into industrial alcohol and medical alcohol. Medical alcohol is of high concentration, while industrial alcohol is often toxic and may have a higher concentration than medical alcohol. If high-concentration alcohol is ingested accidentally, the best approach is to vomit it out as soon as possible to minimize absorption by the body. If the ingested amount is significant, seek immediate medical attention for gastric lavage and further treatment to avoid serious consequences. If industrial alcohol is ingested, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for systematic examination and treatment. Industrial alcohol can cause severe damage to the visual nervous system and digestive system, leading to blindness and even death. Therefore, do not attempt to self-treat at home.

Ethanol is flammable and irritating. Its vapor can form an explosive mixture with air and ignite or explode when exposed to open flames or high heat. It can react or ignite when in contact with oxidizing agents. In a fire, heated containers containing alcohol have the potential to explode. Its vapor is heavier than air and can spread to considerable distances at lower levels, igniting and burning back upon encountering a source of ignition.

Health Hazards: Ethanol is a central nervous system depressant. It initially causes excitement and then suppression. Routes of exposure include inhalation, ingestion, and absorption through the skin. Acute poisoning mostly occurs through oral ingestion and typically progresses through four stages: excitement, hypnosis, anesthesia, and asphyxia. In the third or fourth stage, patients may experience loss of consciousness, dilated pupils, irregular breathing, shock, circulatory failure, and respiratory arrest.

Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure to high concentrations of alcohol in the workplace can cause irritation of the nose, eyes, and mucous membranes, as well as symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, tremors, and nausea. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to various health issues including multiple neuropathies, chronic gastritis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, myocardial damage, and organic mental disorders. Prolonged skin contact with alcohol can cause dryness, peeling, cracking, and dermatitis.