Examining the risk of methanol poisoning from methyl acetate–containing products

Abstract

ObjectivesThis retrospective study aims to review California Poison Control System data to qualitatively describe reported methyl acetate (MA) exposures and determine if a metabolic acidosis develops. MethodsWe queried the Poison Control System data between January 1997 and December 1, 2010. Inclusion criteria were single MA ingestions. ResultsEighty-three cases were analyzed. Females made up 52% of study subjects. Seventy-five cases (90%) were 5 years or younger. Most (93%) ingestions were unintentional. Sixty-two cases (75%) were referred to a health care facility (HCF). Of these, 75% of cases referred to an HCF had no effect, and 25% of cases had a minor effect. There were no major effects, including deaths reported. One case received single-dose activated charcoal, and 1 case received intravenous fluids as therapy. All other cases were observed only. Of all cases, including home-managed and HCF cases, 63 (76%) had no symptoms. Vomiting was observed in 12 cases (14%), drowsiness in 1 case, ataxia in 1 case, abdominal pain in 1 case, and throat/oral irritation in 5 cases. Fifty-three percent of cases referred to HCF had at least 1 chemistry panel done (27% had >1 chemistry panel done). One patient had a mild metabolic acidosis without symptoms that resolved after a period of observation. There was no renal dysfunction. ConclusionThese data suggest that minor ingestions of MA may be observed at home, but a prospective study is needed to exclude the risk of home observation.