Methanol Poisoning and Illicit liquor

Context: Deaths in the Kallakurichi (TN) liquor tragedy are attributed to methanol poisoning.

Ethanol

• Ethanol, commonly known as alcohol, is naturally produced by the fermentation process of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes such as ethylene hydration.
• In India, it is primarily derived from molasses, a byproduct of the sugar manufacturing process.
• Distilleries, often situated near sugar factories, process molasses to produce rectified spirit.
• This spirit is further distilled to create extra neutral alcohol (ENA), which is used to make Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL).

Methanol

• Methanol is typically produced from coal and other fossil fuels. Unlike ethanol, it is highly toxic and not safe for consumption.
• It is an essential component in various industrial products, such as paints.
• Both ethanol and methanol are highly regulated substances. For example, in Tamil Nadu, the production, transportation, and storage of methanol are strictly controlled through licensing.

Policy Recommendations

• Strengthening Legislation: Robust central legislation is needed to complement state laws and tighten control over methanol distribution.
• Inter-State Coordination: Laws like the Poisons Act should be enforced more stringently to monitor and regulate the inter-state supply of methanol.
• Separate Production Lines: As India plans to increase the production of both ethanol and methanol, it iscrucial to maintain clear distinctions and prevent any cross-contamination between the two substances.
• Preventing methanol pilferage and ensuring safe production and use should be a national priority, especially with plans to scale up methanol production as an alternative fuel source.

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