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Alcohol and the human body: general facts
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) - a substance that is contained in alcoholic (alcoholic) drinks and is the cause of most of the harm from their use, regardless of which alcoholic beverages ethanol enters the body: wine, beer, spirits or other alcoholic products.
Unfortunately, other toxic substances that may smell but are not ethanol can be added to adulterated drinks that are produced by illegal or artisanal methods; or they may be present in alcoholic products not intended for ingestion, such as hand sanitizers.
Exposure to additives such as methanol (methyl alcohol) is fatal to humans even in small amounts or can lead to blindness and kidney failure, among other effects. According to media reports, as well as information from private sources, in some countries during the COVID-19 outbreak, there have already been deaths due to the use of alcohol-based products based on the unfounded belief that they can provide protection against the virus.
Here are the general facts you should know about alcohol consumption and health
- Alcohol has short-term and long-term effects on almost every organ in your body. Overall, the evidence suggests that there is no “safe level of alcohol consumption” – in fact, the risk of harm to your health increases with every drink you drink.
- Alcohol consumption, especially excessive drinking, weakens the immune system and thus reduces the body's ability to resist infectious diseases.
- Drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, is known to be one of the causes of some types of cancer.
- Alcohol changes your thoughts, judgments, decision making and behavior.
- Drinking alcohol, even in small doses, poses a risk to the developing fetus during the entire period of pregnancy.
- Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk, frequency and intensity of violence in intimate and sexual relationships, as well as among young people and against the elderly and children.
- Alcohol consumption increases the risk of injury and death from road accidents, drowning or falls.
- Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), one of the most severe complications of COVID-19.
By WHO Regional Office for Europe.
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