Methyl Alcohol, also known as methanol or wood alcohol, is a colorless, very volatile liquid with a faint sweet fruity odor similar to that of ethanol. With water, it entirely mixes. Vapors are slightly greater than air in weight and may travel some distance to a source of ignition before returning as flames. If vapors build up in confined places like buildings or sewers, they can explode if set alight. Used to produce chemicals, remove water from automobile and aviation fuels, solvent for paints and plastics, and an ingredient in many consumer products. Methanol is a one-carbon alcohol that consists of a methyl group and an alcohol group. It serves as an amphiprotic solvent, as a fuel, as a human metabolite, as an Escherichia coli metabolite, as a mouse metabolite, and as a Mycoplasma genitalium metabolite. It's an alkyl alcohol, a one-carbon compound, a volatile organic compound, and a primary drink. It is the conjugate acid of Methoxide. Volcanic gases, vegetation, and microorganisms all contribute to methanol (ch3oh or ch4o) releases into the environment. Humans may be exposed to methanol through ambient air and during the use of solvents. Blurred vision, a headache, dizziness, and nausea are possible symptoms of acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) inhalation or ingestion of methanol by humans. In terms of reproductive, developmental, and carcinogenic effects in humans, there is no information available. The offspring of rats and mice exposed to methyl alcohol by inhalation has been shown to have birth defects. With respect to cancer hazard, methanol has not been classified by EPA.
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