Types of Alcohol
Ethanol, isopropyl, and methanol are all types of alcohol found in household and industrial products. Only ethanol is intended for human consumption, but consuming excess amounts of any alcohol is harmful to your health and can be an emergency scenario.
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What Are the Different Types of Alcohol?
Not all alcohol is created equal—some types are safe to drink in moderation, while others are dangerous or even deadly.
All alcohols share a common chemical structure made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but small differences in that structure can lead to very different uses and effects.
The three most common types of alcohol are:
- Ethanol (ethyl alcohol): The only type of alcohol safe for human consumption. It’s found in alcoholic drinks, but also in everyday items like mouthwash, hand sanitizer, and cologne. Ethanol is classified as a primary alcohol.
- Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol): Commonly used as rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant in cleaning and cosmetic products. It evaporates quickly and kills germs effectively, but it is toxic if swallowed. Isopropyl is a secondary alcohol.
- Methanol (methyl alcohol): A highly toxic alcohol used in industrial products like antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and paint thinner. Even small amounts can be fatal. Methanol is also a primary alcohol.
These alcohols may look or smell similar, but their effects on the human body—and how they’re used—can be drastically different.
Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol)
Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in beer, wine, and spirits—but it’s also used in many household products. While safe in small amounts for human consumption, high doses or improper use can still be harmful.
Ethanol is made by fermenting plant sugars or carbohydrates, and it can also be synthesized in a lab. Chemically, it contains two carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group, which classifies it as an alcohol.
Ethanol-Containing Products
Because ethanol is used in both consumable and industrial products, it can be found in a wide range of items—some you might expect, and others you might not.
Common edible and household products that contain ethanol include:
- Beer, wine, and spirits.
- Flavoring extracts, like vanilla
- Mouthwash
- Cologne or perfume
- Hand sanitizers or wipes
- Fuels (like camping stove fuel)
Dangers of Ethanol
Any type of ethanol can cause intoxicating effects and make you drunk, but consuming a large quantity can cause alcohol poisoning.
Symptoms of ethanol intoxication include:
- Confusion
- Poor coordination or slow reflexes
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Delayed gag reflexes, which can cause asphyxiation
- Slow breathing and heart rate.
- Lack of bladder or bowel control
- Chills or clamminess
- Bluish skin and nailbeds
- Low body temperature (hypothermia).
- Sleepiness or loss of consciousness
- Seizures.
Ethanol is the most widely abused form of alcohol. Nearly 29 million Americans have alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to 2023 data. Ethanol is especially dangerous for adolescents and pregnant women.
Methanol (Methyl Alcohol)
Methanol is a highly toxic type of alcohol that should never be consumed. It’s used in industrial and household products like paint remover, antifreeze, and cleaning solvents. Even small amounts can lead to serious health problems or death.
While it’s called “alcohol,” methanol is not the same as the alcohol found in beer or wine. Chemically, it’s the simplest form of alcohol—made up of just one carbon atom and a hydroxyl group, which gives it its powerful solvent and fuel-like properties.
Methanol-Containing Products
Methanol is one of the most dangerous types of alcohol and should never be consumed. When ingested, the body converts methanol into formaldehyde and formic acid—toxic substances that can cause permanent blindness, organ failure, or death.
Examples of items that may contain methanol include:
- Antifreeze
- Windshield wiper cleaner
- Paint thinner or remover
- Automotive cleaners
- Shellac or varnish
- Industrial solvents
- Fuels or fuel additives
It can also occur accidentally in homemade alcoholic beverages that haven’t been properly distilled or fermented, leading to accidental poisoning.
Dangers of Methanol
Ingesting even small amounts can lead to dangerous or life-threatening health concerns.
You don’t necessarily need to drink methanol to put yourself at risk, either. It’s also possible to suffer adverse effects from inhaling vapors or absorbing methanol through your skin.
Symptoms of methanol poisoning include:
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Pupil dilation, blurred vision, or
- Nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal cramps
- Breathing difficulty
- Yellow skin (jaundice)
Consuming as little as 2 ounces of methanol can be fatal for adults and lead to permanent organ damage. Potential long-term or severe consequences of ingesting methanol include:
- Pancreatitis
- Seizures
- Coma
- Blindness
- Liver damage
Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol)
Isopropyl alcohol is a strong disinfectant used in medical, cosmetic, and cleaning products, but it’s not safe to drink. It’s found in rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, and cleaning sprays, and can be toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed in large amounts.
On a chemical level, isopropyl alcohol consists of three carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group. This structure gives it strong antibacterial properties and allows it to evaporate quickly, making it ideal for cleaning and sterilizing surfaces.
Isopropyl Alcohol-Containing Products
Because of its versatility, isopropyl alcohol is found in a wide range of over-the-counter and household items.
Common examples include:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Alcohol swabs
- Paint thinner
- Hand sanitizer
- Perfume or cologne
- Cleaning supplies
- Pesticides
Dangers of Isopropyl
Like methanol, isopropyl alcohol is toxic and not intended for human consumption. Isopropyl is the second most commonly abused alcohol in the United States and the most common alcohol ingestion reported to Poison Control.
Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning can include:
- Slurred speech
- Confusion or stupor
- Headache
- Poor coordination in the muscles or eyes
- Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Hypothermia
- Low blood pressure and blood sugar levels
- Rapid heart rate
- Slowed breathing
- Red skin
- Changes in urination
Abuse of isopropyl alcohol isn’t typically fatal, but consuming high enough quantities can cause dangerous and potentially lethal complications, including:
- Trouble breathing
- Unconsciousness and coma
- Brain damage
- Internal bleeding, particularly in the stomach
- Kidney failure
Alcohol Use Disorder and the Misuse of Toxic Alcohols
People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may experience intense cravings during withdrawal. If no alcoholic beverages are readily available, desperation can lead them to any type of alcohol they can get their hands on – even if it’s in a personal hygiene product or antiseptic.
It’s not clear how many people globally abuse non-edible alcohol products every year.
In a 2021 Canadian study of 150 homeless individuals, nearly 1 in 4 participants reported abusing a non-beverage alcohol product.
Other research indicates that mouthwash is the most commonly abused non-beverage alcoholic product, since it may be more affordable or readily available than alcoholic drinks.
However, drinking alcohol not intended for human consumption can have deadly consequences.
Non-edible ethanol products could expose you to dangerous toxins or cause you to ingest too much alcohol. For example, mouthwash often contains a higher concentration of ethanol than alcoholic beverages.
You might also mistakenly consume a product containing methanol, putting yourself at risk of deadly symptoms that require emergency treatment.
If you or someone you know ingested a non-beverage alcoholic product, call 911 or Poison Control for help immediately!
Find Help for Alcohol Abuse or Addiction
If you or someone you know is addicted to alcohol or has ever abused a non-beverage product, resources are available to help you fight cravings and regain your sobriety.
Ask your doctor about alcohol use disorder treatment centers in your area. You can also visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) online treatment locator or our treatment help page.
FAQs About Different Types of Alcohol
What are the three classes of alcohol?
Ethanol, methanol, and isopropyl. Only ethanol is intended for ingestion, but all types can be dangerous to humans when consumed in sufficient quantities.
Do people abuse all types of alcohol?
Yes. While ethanol is the only type of alcohol intended for human consumption, some people may abuse alcohols found in household or industrial products, thinking they’ll provide the same effects. In reality, consuming isopropyl or methanol-based products can cause dangerous health issues, like vision damage, pancreatitis, internal bleeding, or organ damage.
What kind of alcohol is found in alcoholic beverages?
All alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, a clear liquid formed through the distillation of fermented plant matter.
How is ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages) different from other types of alcohol?
The main difference between ethanol and other types of alcohol is the number of carbon atoms they contain. Ethanol contains two carbon atoms, methanol has one, and isopropyl has three.
Why is it bad to drink rubbing alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol, which isn’t intended for human consumption. Drinking it can cause comas, internal bleeding, or kidney failure.
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