Six foreign tourists have died of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, Southeast Asia. What is the substance and how does it affect the body?

The NHS warns that as little as 4ml of methanol can cause hallucinations and blindness. Half an hour to two hours after consuming methanol symptoms include drowsiness, confusion and irritability. Later symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Poor alcohol production and cost-cutting can lead to methanol poisoning, but drinking legitimate alcohol is a way to slow the effects until help can be sought, a toxicologist said. Five people have reportedly died of poisoning in Laos. A New Zealander who is unwell may also be a victim, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said.

A U.S. citizen and at least four other tourists from Australia, Denmark and Britain died in Laos this month after having drinks possibly spiked with methanol.

Two Australian teenagers and a British woman have died from suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos

The U.S., Australia and U.K. have issued warnings for travelers in Vang Vieng after several tourists died in a suspected methanol poisoning outbreak.

A little town known as a backpacker paradise in northern Laos has come under spotlight for a mass poisoning case that has killed at least six tourists and potentially injured scores of others

At least six tourists who traveled to Laos have died in recent days, prompting international alarm about the dangers of consuming alcoholic drinks that contain methanol.