Methanol is a colorless, volatile liquid with a slightly sweet, pungent odor like ethanol. It's completely mixed with water. The vapors, which are slightly heavier than air, may travel some distance to the fire and then flash back. Any steam that accumulates in a confined space, such as a building or sewer, could explode if ignited. Used to make chemicals, remove water from automotive and aviation fuels, as a solvent in paints and plastics, and as an ingredient in a variety of products.

Methanol, the primary alcohol, is the simplest fatty alcohol, consisting of a methyl group and an alcohol group. It acts as a diprotic solvent, fuel, human metabolite, Escherichia coli metabolite, mouse metabolite, and Mycoplasma reproductive metabolite. It is alkyl alcohols, one-carbon compounds, volatile organic compounds and primary alcohols. It's the conjugate acid of the methoxy group.

Methanol is released into the environment during industrial use and is naturally released from volcanic gases, vegetation and microorganisms. Exposure may occur in ambient air and during solvent use. In humans, acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) exposure to methanol through inhalation or ingestion may cause blurred vision, headache, dizziness, and nausea. There is currently no information on the reproductive, developmental or carcinogenic effects of methanol in humans. Birth defects have been observed in the offspring of rats and mice exposed to methanol. The EPA has not classified methanol as carcinogenic.

Here's a cool fact about methanol, which occurs naturally in wood. As an alcohol, it is also known as "wood alcohol". Volcanic gases and even some fuels contain methanol. Did you know that traces of methanol are found in fruits, vegetables and juices? This is true as it is naturally found in these projects. Considering the extent to which methanol is harmful to our health, it is quite surprising to know that this chemical occurs naturally in our food. Before addressing the uses and health hazards of methanol, let's take a closer look at its chemical properties and structure.

Methanol is a simple alcohol containing a methyl group (carbon and three hydrogen atoms) attached to an alcohol (OH) group. The chemical structure of methanol is shown in Figure 1.