The Medical Consequences Of Consuming Illegal Vodka
While we should not be worried about an outbreak of the ‘yellow death’ here in the UK the health risks associated with consumption of illegally produced vodka are very real.
In March 2003 a 42 year-old woman in West Lothian, Scotland, died after consuming illegally produced vodka containing fatal amounts of ethanol.
Much of vodka produced illegally contains dangerously high levels of ethanol due to the way in which it is distilled and the fact it is not subjected to any regulation.
The distillation process is often highly unhygienic with old and unclean equipment being used and extraction of ethanol often coming from dangerous substances like paint remover.
Doctors describe the symptoms of consuming dangerous illegal vodka as abdominal pain, blurred vision and breathing difficulties. Heath experts have said that consumption of the substance can also lead to permanent blindness.
Diane Nelson, from Gorton in Manchester consumed the substance back in 2003. In an interview the Manchester Evening News she said she went “to hell and back” having been rushed to hospital after drinking the vodka she believed to be legitimate.
Behindtheheadlines is now investigating in more death the serious health consequences associated with consumption of illegal vodka.
Olly Laughland
