EPISODE · Oct 21, 2025 · 8 MIN
Why are people dying from fake alcohol in Brazil?
from What in the World · host BBC World Service
Methanol poisoning has surged in Brazil, mostly around São Paulo. At least three people have died, including a 30-year-old woman. Hundreds more have been poisoned. Methanol is a type of alcohol commonly found in cleaning products, fuel and antifreeze. It is highly poisonous, even in small amounts, and easily goes undetected - which makes it very dangerous. BBC Brasil’s Luiz Fernando Toledo has been investigating how Brazil’s methanol poisoning crisis started, and why it’s so widespread. He joins us to talk through his findings. Plus, a few young women in Brazil share why they’ve stopped drinking, and even socialising, all together. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde
What this episode covers
Methanol poisoning has surged in Brazil, mostly around São Paulo. At least three people have died, including a 30-year-old woman. Hundreds more have been poisoned. Methanol is a type of alcohol commonly found in cleaning products, fuel and antifreeze. It is highly poisonous, even in small amounts, and easily goes undetected - which makes it very dangerous. BBC Brasil’s Luiz Fernando Toledo has been investigating how Brazil’s methanol poisoning crisis started, and why it’s so widespread. He joins us to talk through his findings. Plus, a few young women in Brazil share why they’ve stopped drinking, and even socialising, all together. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde
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Why are people dying from fake alcohol in Brazil?
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