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Methanol
Basics
What
is Methanol?
Methanol
is the simplest alcohol, containing one carbon atom. It is a colorless,
tasteless liquid with a very faint odor and is commonly known as
"wood alcohol." 
Methanol
is one of a number of fuels that could substitute for gasoline
or diesel fuel in passenger cars, light trucks, and heavy-duty
trucks and buses.
Why
Consider Methanol?
Methanol's
physical and chemical characteristics result in several inherent
advantages as an automotive fuel: LOW
POLLUTION
Emissions
from methanol cars are low in reactive hydrocarbons (which form
smog) and in toxic compounds. Methanol-fueled trucks and buses emit
almost no particulate matter (which cause smoke and odor, and can
also be carcinogenic), and much less nitrogen oxides than their
diesel-fueled counterparts. FUEL
SUPPLY OPTIONS
Methanol
can be manufactured from a variety of carbon-based feedstocks such
as natural gas, coal, and biomass (e.g., wood). Use of methanol
would diversify the country's fuel supply and reduce its dependence
on imported petroleum. FIRE
SAFETY
Methanol
is much less flammable
than gasoline and results in less severe fires when it does
ignite. HIGH
PERFORMANCE
Methanol
is a high-octane fuel that offers excellent acceleration and vehicle
power. ECONOMICALLY
ATTRACTIVE
With
economies of scale, methanol could be produced, distributed, and
sold to consumers at prices competitive with gasoline. Current
Methanol Uses
Methanol
is used in a number of consumer products, including paint strippers,
duplicator fluid, model airplane fuel, and dry gas. Most windshield
washer fluids are 10-20% methanol.
Is
Methanol Poisonous?
Yes.
As with many other fuels, methanol can be highly toxic and should
never be taken orally. A few teaspoons of methanol can cause blindness
and a few tablespoons can be fatal, if the exposure is not treated.
It
should be noted that the human body could metabolize and eliminate
low concentrations of methanol with no ill effects. (Methanol
is present in many cooked vegetables, and the artificial sweetener
in diet soft drinks breaks down into methanol during digestion.)
Methanol becomes poisonous only when it overwhelms the body's
capacity to remove it. Toxic effects do not occur until several
hours after exposure. Effective antidotes to methanol poisoning
are readily available and can be administered during this interim
period.
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