Travelers are warned of the danger of methanol poisoning in a new campaign

When Calum Macdonald visited a bar in Laos, he experienced a “blinding kaleidoscopic light” less than two days after drinking.

The cause is methanol poisoning, and now the government is doing awareness work to highlight the harm.

As thousands of holidaymakers prepare for summer travel, people have pleaded with the government Know the signs, External campaign, to understand the dangers and take measures to protect themselves while abroad.

McDonald, who is in his 20s and is from Surrey, told BBC Breakfast that he was unaware of the risks of traveling in 2024.

Methanol is a highly toxic form of industrial alcohol that can sometimes be found in adulterated, illegally produced, or adulterated alcoholic beverages.

As little as 30ml – the equivalent of a bullet – can be fatal to an adult, while smaller doses can cause serious and permanent damage, including blindness.

29 destinations, including popular tourist destinations such as Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam, now carry methanol poisoning warnings on UK government travel advice.

Margaret Mackie’s daughter Kirsty, 38, was among those who died after consuming methanol.

Originally from Stockport, Kirsty lived in Bali and was engaged to a man who owned a wine business and restaurant, so was careful to only buy alcohol from trusted suppliers.

“When Kirsty got sick it didn’t occur to her for a second that[methanol poisoning]could be wrong,” Mackie told BBC Breakfast.

“She was so tired, she was working hard, she had two drinks, she just thought she had a hangover, she didn’t want help and when she passed out her fiance took her to the hospital and by that time it was too late to save her.”