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File: 072496_may96_decls11_0001.txt
Subject: INFORMATION PAPER
Unit: 24TH ID
Parent Organization: XVIII CORPS
Box ID: BX001433
Folder Seq #: 2
Document Number: 9
'IN Skk v-
AFZP-MD 19 December@V'Y&l
INFUHMAIIUN FFIVEH
Purpose:
The purpose of this paper is to intorm commanders and their
soldiers on the damages a+ consumina intoxicants found in Metnvl
alcohol (Methanol), Isopropyl alcohol (Kut)t3.inq alcohol), LLthyl
alcohol (Moon Shine), Ethylene Uivcol ((Antifreeze) and FJetroleum
Distillates (Lighter fluid, Kerosene. uasoiine. brake I-luicJ. and
Airplane GILie).
Background:
All the substances listed above are toxic to the body when
consumed in an attempt to obtain an intoxicated state. Many at tnem
can cause death when consumed in even small amounts. lhere is no
known way to prevent the side effects associated with use at these
substances.
Ethyl Alcohol:
Ethanol (Brandy, Whiskey, and other liquors) are converted in
the body to poisons which can load to liver camaoe over a Iona
period of time. Acute intoxication witn ethyl alcohol can lead to
stupor, coma, and death. Many cases at death are caused each year
because of acute alcohol poisoning caused by LHUU-A-LU@ contests.
Liver damace caused by chronic abuse a+ alconol is cummulative and
irreversible. Ethyl alcohol is also tnouqht to be a contrit)utarv
+actor to certain types of deadly liver cancer.
isopropyl Alcohol:
This substance is also converted in the body to a aruo which
can lead to coma or death. L)espite persistent talkiore tnere is no
safe way to convert Isopropyl alcohol into a substance that is sate
to drink. Stories a+ putting lsoprog)vl alcohol tnroUqM breaa and
socks to remove the poison should be ignored. (Attemr)s to burn
+ will only result in the potential for serious burns
without changing the basic toxicity a+ the liauic.
Methanol (Wood Alcohol) Paint SOLvent. Varnish. Antifreeze. and
Solid Canned Fuel:
These substances represent tne most danaerous forms at liquids
consumed in an attempt to induce stupor. t-irst tne substances are
fatal in small amounts (2 - 8 ounces). Second. because tney cause
serious side effects and third becau@e they are so readily
available. In very small amounts, these substances are capable at
causing convulsions. blindness, and respiratory arrest. lrie
blindness caused by these substances is most often irreversible.
The latency period +or these side effects is often 1'2 - 18 hours
after consumption when it is too late to provide any meaningful
therapy. When methanol is prepared as moonshine, Lead poisoning
leading to massive diarrhea and extensive dowel camaqe is possible.
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Document 2 f:/Week-22/BX001433/MEDICAL READINESS/information paper:07199610202273
Control Fields 17
File Room = may96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-22
Box ID = BX001433
Unit = 24TH ID
Parent Organization = XVIII CORPS
Folder Title = MEDICAL READINESS
Folder Seq # = 2
Subject = INFORMATION PAPER
Document Seq # = 73
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 19-JUL-1996