Periodical #12

Deadly methanol poisoning in Laos linked to bootleg alcohol

Six tourists died in Laos last week of methanol poisoning linked to tainted or bootleg alcohol. The deaths occurred in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist and backpacking location. The newest information attributes the methanol poisoning to cheaply made, often free, alcohol. Local spirits and knock-off alcohol are likely produced with methanol and are not safe. Methanol is used to produce low-quality and cheap alcohols because of its low cost. Thus, methanol-laced alcohol is more common in tourist/travel spots where drinking is encouraged and alcohol is cheap and abundant. The UK and other nations are warned travelers to be wary of free drinks and discern safe from bootleg alcohols in stores. 

Information retrieved from NPR.

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