Ethanol – also known as ethyl alcohol or EtOH – is a very versatile chemical. It can be used to synthesize other organic chemicals, it is added to medicines and alcoholic beverages, and it can be found basically in every household. But what is EtOH exactly? How harmful is it to humans? And what adverse effects you may expect if you continue consuming ethanol as you drink alcohol?
In this guide we will explore ethanol and its main uses, learn how it affects your body and mind when you keep drinking alcohol, and understand what role ethanol plays in today’s world.
Understanding EtOH and Its Impact
What is EtOH? As a chemical compound, ethanol is a liquid that does not have color – it is clear and transparent yet it is easily recognizable when you smell or taste it. It is commonly used as a solvent, can be added to gasoline to create gasohol, and helps scientists form other organic chemicals that are used in a variety of industries. Ethanol is also a familiar compound to every person who has ever had a beer, a glass of wine, or a distilled spirit like whiskey, brandy, or rum.
When it comes to the definition of ethanol, remember that it is important not to use the terms “ethanol” and “alcohol” interchangeably – all ethanol is, indeed, alcohol but not all alcohol is ethanol. Nevertheless, ethanol remains the only type of alcohol that can be safely consumed by humans who drink alcoholic beverages.
EtOH in Medicine and Daily Life
The role of ethanol in medicine cannot be underestimated. It works as a great disinfectant and antiseptic – look at medical wipes, and you will find EtOH listed among the ingredients. Vaccines, liquid medicines, and medications administered via injections also contain ethanol – it prevents contamination. Because of its versatility, ethanol is indispensable when a doctor needs to dissolve medications and other compounds.
Apart from medicine, ethanol is widely used in real life by regular people who do not need specific training to work with this ingredient. For instance, you may find ethanol in various personal care items such as perfumes and hand sanitizers, household cleaners and polishes, adhesive products, and paints.
Health Impacts of EtOH
Ethanol affects everyone’s body in a different way – depending on the person’s age, weight, health, and previous experiences with alcohol, they will feel different things when it comes to the consumption of alcohol. Still, there are short- and long-term consequences of ethanol use you should keep in mind whether you are getting an occasional drink or drinking on a regular basis.
Short-Term Effects
There are certain physical and psychological effects most individuals will feel after they drink:
| Short-Term Consequence | Description |
| Struggles With Speech and Coordination | You will find it hard to be coherent, explain things to people around you, stand straight, or walk without leaning on objects in your vicinity |
| Gastrointestinal Issues | Nausea is one of the main side effects of ethanol use but in many instances it turns into vomiting especially if the dose of alcohol is particularly large |
| Headaches and Migraines | You will feel pain in your head during the night out and in the morning as one of the hangover manifestations |
| Blurry Vision | Your visual perception will be impaired, and your eyes might be dry and bloodshot |
| Mood Fluctuations | At first, ethanol and any alcohol might make you happy and euphoric but your mood will soon get worse making you feel irritated and angry to the point of violence |
| Cardiovascular Problems | It is not safe for a person who already has heart issues to consume alcohol because it increases the heart rate and blood pressure |
| Memory Gaps | It may be hard to remember what events happened during the time you were heavily drinking |
| Higher Risks of Injuries | When you cannot control your movements, actions, and words, you are in danger of falling or getting into an accident |
Long-Term Risks
If you keep using EtOH for a considerable amount of time, it can be very dangerous for your health:
| Long-Term Consequence | Description |
| Cognitive Decline | A person who consumes a lot of EtOH will soon experience memory loss and find it hard to concentrate on the trivial tasks and responsibilities of their daily life |
| Increased Risk of Cancer | One of the key risk factors for gastrointestinal cancer and liver cancer is the consumption of alcoholic beverages |
| Liver Disease | Studies have confirmed that the liver will be one of the most affected organs of your body if you continue drinking – you may be diagnosed with inflammation of the liver and cirrhosis |
| Immunodeficiency | Your immune system will lose its ability to protect your body against various viruses and infections – you will be more susceptible to illnesses, and it will take longer for you to heal injuries, bruises, and scratches |
| Cardiovascular Issues | High blood pressure, increased probability of stroke and heart attack, and diseases of the heart muscle are all quite common when EtOH is consumed in large amounts |
| Alcohol Abuse and Addiction | The more you keep drinking, the more likely it is you will develop a dependence on alcohol which will impact your normal functioning, disrupt your emotional regulation, change your relationships with people around you, and put your career in danger |
EtOH’s Role in Society
What is EtOH’s impact on society? Its role as a fuel is indispensable – besides, it pollutes the environment much less compared to gasoline so it contributes to cleaner air which is so important nowadays. The production of ethanol and its subsequent use can enhance the efficiency of energy as opposed to a more traditional production of gasoline – EtOH will reduce carbon emissions which is why the research regarding its production continues just like the economic development in areas where ethanol is produced.
As for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, it is hard to imagine a pharmacy where no items that contain ethanol are sold. It is an integral part of numerous lotions, tonics, perfumes, and rubbing compounds and serves as a great antiseptic that helps people disinfect their hands when they get dirty and clean various surfaces to ensure the dirt is fully eliminated.
Get Support at Opus Health
Addiction to alcohol in any shape or form is a serious problem, and when you consume ethanol which is a pure form of alcohol, it is very challenging to leave this harmful habit in the past and begin a profound and sustainable recovery.
Thankfully, addiction treatment is an option available to people who are determined to get their lives back on track and create a healthier and happier future for their own sake and the sake of their loved ones. Reach out to Opus Health today – we can discuss the dangers of EtOH addiction and map out your treatment plan together.
FAQs
What is the relationship between ethanol and alcohol in alcoholic beverages?
When you hear the word “alcohol” when someone is mentioning a particular alcoholic beverage, it means ethanol since it is the main intoxicating agent in the most popular beverages like wine, beer, and whiskey. Ethanol is the chemical compound that changes the flavor of these beverages and creates intoxicating effects that make the person feel drunk whether it is pleasant or not.
How is ethyl alcohol produced through the process of fermentation?
The fermentation process involves the conversion of sugars or starch by microorganisms such as yeast into carbon dioxide and ethanol. It must take place in a controlled environment, it does not require any oxygen, and it does not require specific heating or freezing equipment – the optimal temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The fermentation does not take longer than a few days at the maximum, and as a result ethanol is separated from the mixture with the help of distillation so that there is a higher concentration of it.
What role does ethanol play as a solvent in various chemical compounds?
EtOH is very popular as a solvent because it is capable of dissolving polar and nonpolar compounds alike. Moreover, it is not very toxic, and it is easy to remove in case of an accident which means it is a preferable solvent for many laboratories and industries. Due to the relative safety of ethanol, it is often added to personal care products, perfumes, and cleaning agents and sold freely to people of all ages.
How is ethyl alcohol used as an antiseptic in medical applications?
Ethanol has been extremely effective in terms of fighting against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It dissolves them and disrupts their function and structure so the cells die and bacteria can no longer harm humans.
What are the legal regulations surrounding ethanol consumption and distribution?
Laws related to ethanol vary from one industry to another – naturally, you can purchase cosmetics and cleaning products without worrying about legal consequences but the situation is trickier when you want to consume or distribute ethanol as a fuel or as an ingredient for alcoholic beverages. You need to look up standards and regulations created for every specific industry to ensure you can blend fuels, manufacture alcohol, add ethanol to food in certain instances, and produce ethanol in accordance with local environmental regulations.
