Introduction

Viewed through the lens of toxicology, alcoholic beverages provide a fascinating window into our relationship with a substance that many of us consume because of its intoxicating properties. Our relationship with alcoholic beverages began over 10,000 years ago with the accidental fermentation of grain. But despite our great familiarity with the use of alcohol, it was not until the early 1970s that we realized that alcohol consumption during pregnancy severely affected the developing infant, with no apparent harm to the mother. Worldwide, 9.1 infants per 1000 are affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

The word alcohol comes from the Arabic al-kuhul originally referring to a white powder of antimony used as eye makeup. It was not until the middle of the 18th century that alcohol took on its current meaning of the fermented and intoxicating ingredient found in many common beverages. Fermentation occurs when microorganisms such as yeast, fungi, or bacteria break down complex molecules to produce energy in the absence of oxygen. During fermentation, certain strains of yeast produce ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide in their quest for energy from available sugars. Below is a list of common fermentation starting points and the end products either as a direct result of fermentation of from further distillation.

• Cereal grains -> Beers and whiskeys
• Honey -> Mead
• Grapes -> Wine and brandy
• Root vegetables -> Vodka
• Sugar cane -> Rum

Alcohol is also an excellent and widely used solvent, appearing in many products from gasoline to drugs. Industrially, it is produced by chemical reactions using acetaldehyde or petroleum byproducts and more recently from biomass, such as corn or sugar cane. In the United States, annual corn ethanol production for use in fuel has grown from 175 million gallons in 1980 to nearly 9.3 billion gallons in 2008. Worldwide production is estimated at over 16 billion gallons and is expected to continue to grow. 

Contents

• Case Studies

• Biological Properties

• Health Effects

• Regulatory Standards

• Recommendation and Conclusions

• Additional Information and References
  

Relevant Pages on Toxipedia

• Ethyl Alcohol Chemical Profile
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
• Cirrhosis
• What Causes Cancer
• Portland Rum Riot
• U.S. Prohibition
• Pierre Ordinaire
• Ginger Jake