Denatured alcohol is a type of alcohol that has ingredients that make it dangerous for people to drink. It's commonly referred to as "meths" or methylated spirits. The main ingredient, ethanol, is the same kind of alcohol as in alcoholic drinks, but the harmful additions make it unsafe for human consumption.

Experts advise that because denatured alcohol has potentially fatal effects. People should avoid inadvertently consuming denatured alcohol for recreational purposes, especially if they are young. They alert people to the possible hazards of ingesting, which can result in blindness or even death.

Because the paint industry uses denatured alcohol, for example, to dissolve resins, they are essential to the paint making process. And because they are mildly soluble, they can be used as disinfectants in the pharmaceutical business because they facilitate effective cleaning methods and limit the spread of infectious diseases.