Problems of Forensic Sciences 2005 Vol. 61 (LXI) 55-63
THE STUDIES CONCERNING DENATURED ALCOHOL AT THE INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC RESEARCH
Czesława ŚWIEGODA, Zofia CHŁOBOWSKA
Institute of Forensic Research, Krakow
Streszczenie
In recent years the number of expert opinions concerning alcoholic beverages prepared from denatured alcohol, which was originally designated for non-beverage purposes, i.e. industrial use and household use, have been increasing. These beverages include raw spirit obtained by initial distillation of the mash, the residues after rectification of the raw spirit and rectified (beverage) spirit denatured when purchasing in the presence of an official from the Tax Office. According to the decree of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of 11 August 2003, Register of Laws, No. 163, item 1582, currently in force, the list of agents used to denature ethyl alcohol encompasses 38 substances. It includes formalin, diethyl ether, butyl and propyl alcohol, phthalates, Bitrex and other substances. Ethyl alcohol intended for industrial or household use is available on the market at a low price. It is often dyed in order to distinguish it from beverage alcohol, and labels contain an appropriate warning about the content of denaturant and its harmfulness in case of consumption. Because of its low price, this type of alcohol is often sold illegally with the denaturing agent and the dye partially or completely removed. The examination of seized alcohol and identification of denaturants do not pose an analytical problem. On the other hand, the interpretation of obtained results is difficult, because the expert has to assess the threat to health or life of persons consuming these alcohols. The concentrations of denaturing agents in the mentioned beverages are low. Therefore one can assume that sporadic consumption of such alcohol is not a threat to health and life. However, frequent consumption may be detrimental to the human body.
Słowa kluczowe
Ethanol; Denaturants; Toxicity; Analytical method.