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Journal of Public Health

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01-02-2019 | Original Article

The methanol content of illicit alcoholic beverages seized in a low socio-economic area of Tel-Aviv: public health impact and policy implications

Authors: Barak Shapira, Efi Schaefer, Alina Poperno, Zipora Hess, Paola Rosca, Ronny Berkovitz

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Aim

To identify the presence and concentration of methanol in illegal alcoholic beverages sold commercially in a low socio-economic area of Tel-Aviv. Additionally, we aim to assess if findings represent an existing risk for public health in the area.

Subjects and methods

Ministry of Health Division of Enforcement and Inspection personnel carried out a series of inspections in grocery stores and kiosks in two adjacent neighborhoods of low socio-economic status: Neve Sha’anan and Hatikvah. Twenty-six samples of illicit drinks were identified, seized, and then analyzed for the presence and concentration of methanol.

Results

Alcohol products seized were spirits labeled as vodka, brandy, arak and “scotch flavor” drinks, which contained an average of 36.608% volume of ethanol. Methanol was detected in 15 samples. Methanol concentration levels varied considerably, from 12 to 4534 g/hl. Data of hospital emergency department visits revealed that only nine cases of methanol toxicity were reported for years 2014–2017, and none of them by area hospitals.

Conclusion

We identified the sale of alcoholic beverages with high methanol content in the disadvantaged areas of Tel-Aviv, though hospitalization data does not reveal a high prevalence of cases involving methanol toxicity. This may be related to misreporting or underreporting by area emergency rooms. Policy implications include the need to inform local shopkeepers and shop-owners on labeling regulations, and make information and health warnings accessible to the foreign-born population residing in the area. A larger sample is needed to determine the extent of the sale of methanol-containing illicit alcoholic beverages.

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Title: The methanol content of illicit alcoholic beverages seized in a low socio-economic area of Tel-Aviv: public health impact and policy implications
Authors: Barak Shapira
Efi Schaefer
Alina Poperno
Zipora Hess
Paola Rosca
Ronny Berkovitz
Publication date: 01-02-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-018-0922-8

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

The methanol content of illicit alcoholic beverages seized in a low socio-economic area of Tel-Aviv: public health impact and policy implications

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

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