What Is Ethanol Used for?

Ethanol is used in the manufacture of drugs, plastics, lacquers, polishes, plasticizers, and cosmetics. Ethanol is used in medicine as a topical antiinfective, and as an antidote for ethylene glycol or methanol overdose.

What do humans use ethanol for?

Ethanol is an important industrial chemical; it is used as a solvent, in the synthesis of other organic chemicals, and as an additive to automotive gasoline (forming a mixture known as a gasohol). Ethanol is also the intoxicating ingredient of many alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits.

Is ethanol harmful to humans?

In the worst cases there may also be breathing problems, low blood pressure, incontinence heart problems, blood problems, liver damage and death. Ethanol may dry out and irritate the skin; there may be pain, redness and swelling. Eye exposure to ethanol can also cause tearing, burning and stinging.