Scientists develop methanol breathalyser that could prevent thousands of poisonings each year

Prototype is able to detect small concentrations of the toxic substance in alcoholic drinks or on someone's breath

Australian researchers have developed a prototype methanol breathalyser" capable of detecting small concentrations of the toxic substance in alcoholic drinks or on someone's breath.

Methanol poisoning is a problem that affects thousands of people every year, killing 20-40% of victims, according to Doctors Without Borders. In November, Australian backpackers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, along with British lawyer Simone White, were among six tourists to die in a suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos.