Reassessment of methylated spirits

The New Zealand Drug Foundation recognises that the use of common household substances for intoxication is a difficult drug taking behaviour to legislate and regulate for.

We support the proposal to replace the current methylated spirits sold to the public with another formulation, as outlined in the proposal. The evidence presented in the application clearly outlines the adverse effects and analysis of risks that are associated with the ingestion of methylated spirits including: fire damage to people and/or property; eye damage; visual impairment, or blindness from chronic or acute consumption; damage to reproductive organs; foetal developmental effects and in some cases death. We support any pragmatic and practical measures that help reduce the risks from deliberate consumption of methylated spirits.