Methanol
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About methanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, can occur both naturally and as an industrial substance.
Methanol is used in a range of products, such as:
- cosmetics
- makeup
- hair products
- skin moisturizer
- adhesives
- paint products
- paint removers
- stain and varnish removers
- cleaning products
- wipes
- lens cleaners
- floor cleaners
- window cleaners
- automotive products
- de-icing agents (windshield washer fluid)
Methanol occurs naturally in foods and is a permitted food additive.
Safety of methanol
Under the Government of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to Canadians and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.
We've completed the draft assessment of methanol. We're proposing that breathing in the fumes from certain paint and varnish removers containing methanol may pose a health risk. It may result in developmental effects.
The draft assessment found that methanol:
- is not harmful to the environment
- does not pose a health risk from the following sources:
- foods
- cosmetics
- adhesives
- cleaning products
- automotive products
What we're doing
Our assessment is not yet final. We're continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by methanol before we publish our final conclusion. This includes:
- tracking new information on exposures or hazards
- asking the public to comment on our draft assessment
- reviewing and using this information to help shape our final assessment
If the proposed findings for methanol is confirmed in the final assessment, we will consider:
- adding methanol to the List of Toxic Substances
- this allows Canada to implement preventive or control actions for the life cycle of the substance, from the research and development stage through manufacture, use, storage, transport and disposal or recycling
- taking action to help reduce the exposure of Canadians to methanol in paint and varnish removal products
What you can do
Consumers are reminded to:
- read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions
- follow the manufacturer's directions to dispose of the product safely
- provide any comments on our draft assessment during the 60-day public comment period
If you're unsure if your product contains methanol, contact the manufacturer.
If you're exposed to methanol at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:
- relevant laws
- safe handling and storage practices
- requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
For more information
- Measuring your exposure to chemicals
- Canada's system for addressing chemicals
- Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan