Excretion of small amounts of alcohol also occur through the urine, lungs/breath, and sweat. It is not suggested to start drinking for prevention of heart disease. Ingestion – lay down and contact emergency medical personnel immediately. Naimi TS, Brewer RD, Mokdad A, Denny C, Serdula MK, Marks JS. On the downside, ethanol is less energy-dense than gasoline – meaning that there’s more energy in a gallon of gas than there is in a gallon of ethanol. It is also theorized that the beneficial heart effects of red wine might be possible by simply drinking red or purple 100% grape juice or eating red grapes. Protective gear is important when handling any toxic substance. Brick J. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Centers for Disease Control and prevention. Environmental and genetic factors are involved i … Ethanol is nontoxic and biodegradable. Accessed 1/18/2012. Ethanol-based gas has been mandated by Congress in the United States since the Clean Air Act was passed in 1990. Other plants, such as the cactus or sugar cane may be used in liquor production. If you’re driving a new(er) car, the answer is no, ethanol is not bad for your engine. In all 50 U.S. states, 0.08 g/dL would be equal to 0.08 percent BAC, or the legal limit at which one is no longer allowed to drive. Moderate consumption of alcohol may raise HDL, reduce the formation of blood clots, and help prevent artery damage due to low density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. March 4, 2011. Oakville, ON L6J 3J3 Alcohol is a clear, volatile liquid that is highly soluble in water. The other three types, methyl, propyl and butyl alcohol, if consumed can result in blindness and death, even in relatively small doses. Williams SH. Stearyl Alcohol. Combination with other CNS depressants, such as opiates, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines can have additive and dangerous effects. According to one review, naltrexone and acamprosate have strong evidence and are recommended as treatment options for alcohol dependence in conjunction with behavioral therapy. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Cetyl Alcohol. The main psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic beverages is ethanol. Risks for developing alcoholism include a genetic predisposition and lifestyle practices. Blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is dependent upon weight and body fat, amount and time frame of alcohol consumption, and food effects. Examples of this amount may include one twelve ounce beer (5 percent alcohol), eight to nine ounces of malt liquor (7 percent alcohol), 5 ounces of wine (12 percent alcohol) or 1.5 fluid ounce “shot” of 80 proof liquor (40 percent alcohol). Intoxication can generally last anywhere from one to 12 hours, and the after-effects (“hang-over”) of intoxication can last 24 hours or more. Engineering Explained Recommended for you. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. With this dangerous combination, drinkers may feel somewhat less intoxicated than if they had consumed alcohol alone. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services 2010 Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Accessed 1/19/2012. Toll free: 1.888.362.2007, VelocityEHS | Humantech Myristyl Alcohol . Find Ethanol MSDS information from the experts at MSDSonline.com. Chemical denaturants are added to ethanol to make fuel ethanol, and many of the denaturants are toxic. Ethyl Alcohol, or ethanol (C 2 H 5 OH), is the type used in the production of alcoholic beverages. All are serious and need to be managed appropriately to ensure more damage is not incurred while trying to attend to the exposure: Inhalation – if you are exposed to ethanol vapors, move to a well-ventilated area to access fresh air. According to The Office of the Surgeon General, alcohol is used by more young people in the United States than tobacco or illicit drugs, resulting in a serious public health concern.2. Some research studies have shown that moderate amounts of all types of alcohol benefit your heart, not just alcohol found in red wine. Mayo Clinic. Mothers who drink alcohol excessively during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) or fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) that can include irreversible physical and mental changes to the baby. Signup for a 30-day trial of MSDSonline.com’s industry leading safety services or browse our inventory of MSDS resources here. The folks over at Hot Air claimed in a post today that high-level blends of ethanol in gasoline may corrode your car's engine and potentially void your manufacturer's warranty. Alcohol, and its consumption can cause a number of marked changes in behavior. Adults from the National Health Interview Survey, the percent of adults 18 years of age and older who were current regular drinkers (at least 12 drinks in the past 12 months) was 50.9 percent. However, only small amounts of wine or alcohol are suggested to be beneficial. Toll free: 1.866.919.7922. Skin contact – should ethanol come into contact with your skin, gently wash the area with warm water and soap. VelocityEHS®, MSDSonline® and Humantech® are proprietary trademarks of VelocityEHS. "End the Ethanol Rip-Off," wrote author Robert Bryce … National Health Interview Survey, 2010. Only moderate drinking is recommended for those that already drink. FDA has labeled ethanol as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance, which means that a panel of qualified experts determined that ethanol is safe to use in food products. [7-2-2020] FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a … Suite 300 The gas you use now is often 10 percent ethanol, but some industry groups believe the higher concentration of E15 will cause problems. The cardioprotective effect alcohol may not be restricted to red wine. Neither the American Heart Association nor the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommend starting to drink alcohol simply to prevent heart disease. Alcohol elevates the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) and reduces nerves signals along that neuronal pathway. Alcohol is metabolized primarily (90 percent) in the liver. 30 PH 359 October 1995, Updated October 2000. and if it seperates out to much and you get to much ethonal in your car the engine can blow the heads off or bend rods (ive seen it) the fuel station in utah flying j got a bad mix they had to pay for several new engines. Follow all procedural steps and take care to wear the proper gear – just because it's common doesn’t mean it can’t be very dangerous. Ethanol is a corrosive substance. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Women who are planning to become pregnant or who have recently learned they are pregnant should not drink alcohol. Binge drinking among US adults. Generally referred to as “alcohol,” ethanol is the substance that makes you drunk. Moderate drinking is defined as an average of two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. “Methanol … In 2009, current alcohol use rates among high school students decreased to 42 percent, with 24 percent reporting episodic heavy or binge drinking.8, In 2009, 10 percent of high school students reported driving during the past 30 days when they had been drinking alcohol. It is illegal to sell or buy alcohol for anyone under the age of 21. It’s the drying effect that can lead to other problems. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The treatment of alcoholism requires strong family, social and medical support. Agency officials said the hand sanitizers contained as much as 81 percent toxic methanol, also known as wood alcohol. Some patients may opt to join Alcoholic Anonymous (AA), a group support organization available for men and women since 1935. This is because our modern engines are designed to run on the gasoline/ethanol combination, and have been fitted with alcohol-resistant seals and hoses. Last year I wrote a blog post on the health effects of ethanol, which is generally pretty bad for you. Damage can also occur early in pregnancy before a woman might know she is pregnant. A clinician is able to diagnose alcoholism based upon a specific set of criteria published by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization.5, Drinking and driving results in numerous car accidents, injuries, and deaths each year. If you need to store it, make sure the piping and container are not susceptible to the corrosion ethanol can cause. FAS may lead to growth retardation, mental disorders, skeletal and facial abnormalities, and heart defects. Alcohol, or ethanol, is the intoxicating agent found in … Alcohol is produced by fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches.1 Fruits such as grapes, and grains like barley and wheat are most commonly used for wine, beer and liquors. 9:51. Where is Ethanol used in the Home or Workplace? Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Abuse and Dependence. News release. Accessed 1/17/2012. and some cars wont start on a cold morning and they get towed in and the only problem is the fuel Ethanol fuel, a gas additive, is everywhere! And most importantly – how can ethanol be dangerous in the workplace and beyond? The absorption of alcohol (ethanol) is decreased by food, especially fatty food. There are four cardinal symptoms in alcoholism: craving, loss of control, physical dependence, and tolerance. If you’re searching for ethanol MSDS information, you’ve come to the right place. 1. It is highly refined beverage (grain) alcohol, approximately 200-proof, that can be produced from natural products such as corn, sugar cane and wheat. Ethanol safety guidelines are similar to those for handling gasoline. Regulations are more strict in many states for drivers less than 21 years of age. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Alcohol Use in Pregnancy. It is important not to drink at all while pregnant, prior to a planned pregnancy or if effective birth control is not used.9, 10, 11. Surgeon General Releases Advisory on Alcohol Use in Pregnancy. Well, never mind that there's a significant amount of evidence that it's bad for your car, boat or motorcycle engine. All states now prohibit the purchase of alcohol by youth under the age of 21 years since 1988. Alcohol is quickly transferred from the mother’s bloodstream to the fetus by the placenta and umbilical cord. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Ethanol may also be a carcinogenic; studies are still being done to determine this. Anabolic Steroids - Abuse, Side Effects and Safety, Blood Doping: Lance Armstrong & Pro Cycling, http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/alcohol, http://www.alcoholalert.com/drunk-driving-statistics.html, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_252.pdf, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance - United States, 2009, http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/alcohol-use.html, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/red-wine/HB00089, http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/1101/p1775.html, Drug class: miscellaneous uncategorized agents. 2005;72:1775-80. If the skin is still irritated, seek medical assistance for further treatment. FASD may include life-long learning disabilities, poor memory, hyperactivity, poor attention span, speech or language delays and other disorders. We have all heard of ethanol, somehow, somewhere. Acetaldehyde is further metabolized by aldehyde dehydrogenase to acetic acid, and eventually to carbon dioxide and water. Contact emergency medical personnel. 586 Argus Road Regarding that last point, I am compelled to add a personal anecdote. C12-16 This site requires Javascript to be enabled for full functionality. Alcohol can lead to other health issues and may be addictive. Over 2 million recovered alcoholics in the United States, Canada, and other countries belong to AA.13, Medical treatments for alcohol dependence include three approved oral medications - disulfiram (Antabuse), naltrexone (Depade, Revia) and acamprosate (Campral) - and an injectable long-acting form of naltrexone (Vivitrol). Available for Android and iOS devices. Absorption occurs primarily from the intestine. You’ve got nursing homes out of hand sanitizer,” said Allan Delmare, a distiller at Dida’s Distillery in Huntly, Virginia, which had been purchasing ethanol to produce finished hand sanitizer. The chemical can cause blindness and death if ingested. Heart Disease. In small amounts, it can induce feelings of relaxation and tranquillity, suppress anxiety, and in some, inspire feelings of confidence. Intoxication occurs because the liver is unable to metabolize more than one ounce of alcohol every hour. Because of its incredible versatility, ethanol mixes very well with other solvents and water, as well as chlorides and hydrocarbons. Ethanol in itself isn’t harmful. How is it used? Series 10, Number 252. Dry skin is inherently more susceptible to issues such as a weakened epidermal barrier, which leads to less protection, which can lead to inflammation, which can quicken the aging process (4). Adults. Do not drink anything else. Energy-rich pure gasoline has higher energy content so it delivers more power when burned. The percentage of ethanol blend is indicated by the E number. The New York Times stated that E10 gasoline, which is the gas we use in America, actually gives you 2-3 miles per gallon less than gasoline. Ethanol will dissolve the fiberglass resin, which will collect in the motor and tear it to shreds. Making good choices about how ethanol is made and what it is made from is essential for ethanol to realize its potential. Red wine contains substances such as resveratrol and flavonoids that have antioxidant properties and may lend cardioprotective effects to the heart. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Here is a list of all the good alcohols that you can use on your skin. Even though ethanol is very commonly used, it is a dangerous chemical. Use of these medical treatments may work to help reduce drinking, relapses, and lead to full recovery and abstinence from alcohol. It has been reported that oil mixed with ethanol has less fuel efficiency. The Debate Surrounding Non-Ethanol Gas. It improves mileage. In … While ethanol is consumed when drinking alcoholic beverages, consuming ethanol alone can cause coma and death. This drinking practice often takes place in and around college campuses. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ethanol is used as an “oxygenate” and is added to fuel to help reduce hydrocarbon emissions that cause air pollution. Is ethanol really that bad? There are four types of alcohol: methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol and butyl alcohol. And octane boosters are usually made from ethanol or methanol (just like ethanol only worse). Death from respiratory depression can occur with severe alcohol intoxication, and this can be hastened if alcohol is combined with CNS depressant medications. Before we out the bad alcohols, let's understand how to differentiate the bad from the good. Even low doses significantly impair judgment and coordination. The term "alcohol" has been synonymous with "spirituous" liquids for the past 300 years. "Fatty alcohol, which is derived from coconut or palm oil, is sometimes used to thicken a formulation and can be nourishing for the skin," says Maryam Zamani, MD. Because of this action, alcohol is known as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, and lowers both cognitive and physical capacities. Vital and Health Statistics. What Are Good Alcohols? If you tend to break out even when you are using these alcohols, it is better that you look for skin care products that are completely alcohol-free. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that comes from the skins of red grapes. When ethanol is mixed into gasoline at a ratio of 1 part ethanol to 10 parts gas like E10 gasoline, it makes little difference to your gas mileage and makes no difference to your octane rating or power output. In this information post from the experts at MSDSonline, we’ll take a look at what ethanol is, how this chemical is traditionally used, and the safety precautions needed to handle this substance safely. This is a short updating article on methanol, an alcohol like ethanol that you really shouldn’t drink. As previously mentioned, it is highly flammable; as such, it has exact flash points which are important to know when using it. Ethanol inhalation can cause coughing or headaches, according to the CDC. Oddly, ethanol is also an excellent cleaner and will remove deposits often left by “bad gas.” Ethanol is often mistaken or linked with a fuel called methanol, a wood- or petroleum-based alcohol that is especially corrosive when stored in solution with bare aluminum. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. JAMA 2003;289:70-75. No amount of alcohol consumption can be considered safe in pregnancy. Antioxidants may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol and protecting against artery damage. Am Fam Physician. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to increased tolerance that in turn leads to greater amounts required to achieve its desired effects. However, more research is needed. EH&S Blog Chemical Spotlight Ethanol: Versatile, Common and Potentially Dangerous, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Can Ethanol Damage Car Engines? "Ethanol is a well-known topical penetration enhancer, which means it can be used to increase the … It is wise to seek the advice of a health care provider if alcohol cannot be stopped prior to conception and throughout pregnancy. Ethanol is used in the management of toxicity due to ingestion of methanol, or ethylene glycol. In 2009, there were over 10,800 crash fatalities with a driver BAC of 0.08 or higher, roughly 32 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year. The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking. However, ethanol is a toxic chemical and should be treated and handled as such, whether at work or in the home. Because ethanol fuel will absorb water directly from the atmosphere and subsequently retain it, ethanol is especially hard on the carburetors of small engines. If you find yourself coming into direct contact, either through employment or home use, take the proper steps to maintain your personal safety. If you have fiberglass tanks, you are screwed. Drinking alcohol over shorter time periods or in larger quantities and on an empty stomach will lead to a higher BAC. Alcohol can be toxic to the developing baby, not only in the first three months of pregnancy when important organs are developing, but at any time, as brain development continues throughout pregnancy. Lauryl Alcohol. Alcohol Alert. Alcoholism is a treatable disease, but is considered a lifelong, chronic illness that requires counseling, support and often medication to control cravings. Surgeon Generals Office warn women not to drink during pregnancy. National Center for Health Statistics. In the U.S., The Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act, signed into law in 1984 raised the minimum drinking age to 21 years. A drink is defined as 12 ounces (355 milliliters, or mL) of beer, 5 ounces (148 mL) of wine or 1.5 ounces (44 mL) of 80-proof liquor.12. U.S. The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase converts alcohol to acetaldehyde, a sympathomimetic toxin often blamed for the ‘hangover’ effect. Of these drivers, fifty-six percent had had a BAC of 0.15 or greater. Office of the Surgeon General. Being this versatile, ethanol is used for a great many things – but it can also be quite dangerous. List of Pros of Ethanol Free Gas. Contact with eyes – if ethanol splashes into your eyes, find a flush station and flush eyes for at least 15 minutes. Ethanol is a great solvent, gasoline has a tendency to leave deposits behind which can best be described as a varnish. Both the Centers for Disease Control and The U.S. 2009 Drunk Driving Statistics. Ethanol is also the ingredient in alcoholic beverages, and consumption of it can lead to liver disease, heart problems and alcoholism. While ethanol is consumed when drinking alcoholic beverages, consuming ethanol alone can cause coma and death. Glycol. Alcohol can be lethal if the amount of alcohol reaches a concentration above 460 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood (0.46 g/dL). Retrieved 1/17/2012. Excessive use of alcohol can lead to alcoholism, or alcohol dependence. Intoxikon International. Consumption of small amounts of alcohol are reported to have beneficial cardiovascular health benefits, particularly the consumption of red wine. Ethanol is very prevalent. Accessed 1/18/2012. Withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening and include severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Ethanol is highly flammable and should not be used near open flames. That makes the gas you pump “gasohol,” a mixture of petroleum-based gasoline and plant-based alcohol. Alcohol distributes into body water. However, as the dose is increased, normally beyond six ounces of 100 proof alcohol, the pleasant euphoric feelings begin to give way to feelings of depression. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Last updated on March 2, 2021. Underground ethanol tanks cannot be placed anywhere near water, and the preference is to have any ethanol storage tank above ground. Suite 1750 Gas mileage decrease. But what is it, exactly? The best ethanol can produce as much as 90 percent fewer lifecycle emissions compared to gasoline, but the worst ethanol can produce significantly more lifecycle emissions than gasoline. Tanks need to have secondary containment, be fire rated and impact resistant, the same as those for gasoline storage. Ethanol is dangerous because it is a highly flammable liquid that can be poisonous with skin contact or ingestion in its pure forms. Toll free: 1.866.919.7922, Canada Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. The percent of adults who were current infrequent drinkers (1-11 drinks in the past 12 months) was lower, at 13.6 percent.7, Alcohol use and binge drinking among teens is a major public health concern. 1161 Oak Valley Dr. The following should be worn whenever using ethanol: Exposure to ethanol can be in vapor form (breathing it in), skin/body contact or ingestion. Alcohol, or ethanol, is the intoxicating agent found in beer, wine and liquor. The other three types, methyl, propyl and butyl alcohol, if consumed can result in blindness and death, even in relatively small doses. Will Fuel Stabilizer Help? Alcohol Pharmacology. Nowadays, the gas you pump from almost every gas station contains a blend of gasoline and ethanol. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Although there is no known safe amount of alcohol that a woman can drink, the risk for miscarriage, birth defects, growth retardation and mental defects increase the more alcohol a pregnant woman consumes in one setting and the more frequently she drinks overall. However, they are just as impaired and more likely to take risks. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Also, the higher alcohol content in E15 fuel is more corrosive to a small engine's fuel lines than normal gasoline. However, since 1982, alcohol-related fatalities have dropped from 60 percent to 38 percent in 2009.6. Moderate ethanol consumption reduces stress and increases feelings of happiness and well-being, and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2007. Alcohol excretion by the lungs constitutes the basis for the Breathalyzer test given by law enforcement who may suspect drinking and driving. Yet despite years of bad ethanol reviews, some prominent figures (including former Senator Tim Wirth and attorney C. Boyden Gray in the accompanying article) offer a revanchist argument: Ethanol is not really so bad after all, and we should significantly increase its blending with gasoline from 10 to 30 percent. If you could remove the ethanol, the resulting gas would be seriously octane-poor. The most recommended containers are those made of stainless steel when storing ethanol. It will clean your fuel system on a continual basis. Fourteen grams or about 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol equals one “drink”. No. The prevalence of alcohol use in the U.S. is widespread. I have a small (4 horsepower) outboard engine that I use on my old wooden boat. Summary Health Statistics for U.S. If you use ethanol-free gas, you will need to consider whether the gas mileage you gain from using it outweighs the initial costs. (Photo: Corn and Cornier by Seth Anderson). Making matters worse, ethanol is corrosive, hydrophilic (meaning it absorbs water), and it’s bad for small engines. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 1 Apr 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 5 Apr 2021), ASHP (updated 6 Apr 2021) and others. Accessed 1/17/2012. Ethanol is available under the following different brand and other names: alcohol (ethyl). For example E10 means the gas mixture contains 90% gas and 10% ethanol. Ethanol is part of the hydroxyl group, which makes it a substructure of the water molecule. Ethanol Does NOT Cause Oxidation Within the Skin The history of alcohol consumption, along with codes limiting its consumption go back to 1700 B.C. - Duration: 9:51. Is Ethanol Bad For Your Car's Engine? Contact emergency medical personnel for further assistance. The Truth About Ethanol FuelsRelated: Is Premium Gas Worth It? Therefore, when a person consumes more alcohol than the body can metabolize, intoxication occurs. Accessed 1/18/2012. Alcohol and Drug Studies. Once the body develops a dependence to alcohol, a sudden cessation of its intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms. Drugs of Abuse: Alcohol. Mixing alcohol with caffeine, either in premixed drinks or by adding liquor to energy drinks has become a common way for younger crowds to consumer alcohol. Ethanol is most commonly used in alcoholic beverages; however, there are many more household and workplace items in which it is used: Even though ethanol is very commonly used, it is a dangerous chemical. Medications for Treating Alcohol Dependence. Unlimited SDS Searches, 5 FREE Downloads, No Credit Card, A Deeper Look at OSHA’s Proposed Rule to Update HazCom Standard, OSHA Publishes Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Standards for 2020. Treatment for alcohol dependence usually involves a wide array of interventions, including stepped therapy, group support, individual counseling, and medications. This is fine as long as the ethanol stays suspended in the gas mix. If you oppose government interventions in the free market, as Cruz does, the RFS is an outrage. Antioxidants in red wine are called polyphenols and may be protective for heart vessel linings. Alcoholics Anonymous. Ethyl Alcohol, or ethanol (C2H5OH), is the type used in the production of alcoholic beverages. © 2021 VelocityEHS. Stress, ease of alcohol availability, and peer groups can increase the risk for alcoholism. Disulfiram has not been shown to increase abstinence rates or decrease relapse rates or cravings compared with placebo, and it is not recommended for routine use in primary care.14. As previously mentioned, it is highly flammable; as such, it has exact flash points which are important to know when using it. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. One of the bad things that happens with ethanol is that your mileage will actually decrease. Long-term alcohol misuse is associated with liver and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and nervous system damage as well as psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, and antisocial personality disorder.4. Heavy consumption of alcohol, however, may cause addiction and increases all types of injury and trauma. Ethanol is a colorless, volatile and highly flammable liquid that has a slight odor. The essential thing to note however is that if your car is a performance car, specially turbo or supercharged, than ethanol fuel may not be for you. Do not induce vomiting as it can create more damage. BAC is usually expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL). The most common blend of ethanol is E85, which is comprised of 85 percent denatured ethanol fuel and 15 percent gasoline or other hydrocarbons. Alcohol Alert. Unlike gasoline, pure ethanol is nontoxic and biodegradable, and it quickly breaks down into harmless substances if spilled. Relapses are a common problem for alcoholics. Chicago, IL 60654 All rights reserved. In automobiles, ethanol fuel won’t do much harm to your car's engine. In 1999, alcohol use among high school students was reported in 1 out of every 2 students. Cetearyl Alcohol . Ethanol has been around for centuries, having been discovered as a by-product of fermentation for alcohol. Twenty-eight percent of students reported riding in a car or other vehicle during the past 30 days driven by someone else who had been drinking alcohol.8. Red Wine and Resveratrol: Good for your heart? All cars 2007 and … The almost pure ethanol will dissolve this varnish and hold it in suspension.