Manchester Airport welcomes methanol poisoning awareness campaigners

A group of campaigners raising awareness of the risks of methanol poisoning spoke to passengers at Manchester Airport as part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) ‘Know The Signs’ campaign.

The campaign encourages travellers to understand how to recognise the signs of methanol poisoning and to act quickly if someone becomes unwell.

Among those sharing their stories at Manchester Airport were Margaret and Jim McKie (pictured), a Stockport couple who lost their daughter to methanol poisoning in Bali in 2022.

Methanol poisoning is a life-threatening illness caused by consuming alcohol contaminated with methanol, a highly toxic industrial form of alcohol that is unfit for human consumption. Methanol cannot be identified in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell and a single shot can be fatal.

Methanol can sometimes be found in counterfeit, illegally produced or contaminated alcoholic drinks. Information about the risks of methanol poisoning is currently included in FCDO travel advice for 29 destinations.

British holidaymakers are advised to take practical steps to reduce the risk, including avoiding free cocktails or shots, drinks from unlabelled bottles, and unusually cheap or heavily discounted drinks claiming to be brand-name alcohol. Sticking to beer, cider, wine and pre-mixed cocktails in sealed bottles or cans minimises the risk.

They are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms so they can act quickly and seek medical attention for themselves or their travelling companions if necessary.

Early symptoms can resemble alcohol poisoning or a severe hangover. They can include vomiting, poor judgement, loss of balance and drowsiness, before more distinctive signs such as vision problems and breathlessness develop within 12 to 48 hours of consumption. Anyone showing signs of methanol poisoning should seek urgent medical attention immediately.

The campaigners’ pop-up information stand in Terminal 2 Departures is complemented by informational posters at key touchpoints around the terminal, including toilet cubicles.

Margaret and Jim McKie said:

“We really appreciate Manchester Airport’s support for this important campaign, especially relevant at this time of year, when young people are setting off on gap years or international travel.

“We would never want to discourage young people from travelling and exploring the world – we just want them to be armed with the information to keep themselves safe.

“We welcome Manchester Airport’s proactive approach on this issue and very much hope that other airports in the UK will follow suit.”