How to recognize fake alcohol: Greek experts warn – hundreds of teenagers in hospitals

More than 350 cases of alcohol poisoning recorded in Athens among minors taken to Attica children’s hospitals. The cause of alarm was the case of a 16-year-old girl who lost consciousness outside a club in Ghazi.

Although the connection between her death and alcohol has not yet been confirmed, on the same night ECAB received four calls from people who felt unwell after drinking alcohol.

Dangerous cocktails: a chemist told how to find out if the alcohol in a bar is fake pic.twitter.com/tNzxOahtN0

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Chemist Georgios Drakos on air of the program “Newsroom” explained how you can distinguish adulterated alcohol, known in Greece as “bomb”. It’s hard to tell in a bar setting, he says, but there are a few signs to look out for.

How to recognize fake alcohol

• Fake drink looks more cloudy and contains low quality ethanolhazardous to health.
• If shake the bottleon the surface of fake alcohol foam lasts longer — the stronger the falsification, the more stable the bubbles.
• When you turn the bottle over you can see sediment or particles – this is another clear sign of a low-quality product.
• Also, counterfeit alcohol has pungent odor and unusual tasteespecially noticeable to those who know the original drink well.

According to the expert, laboratory studies have shown that counterfeit drinks often contain methanol impurities and other toxic compounds that can cause severe poisoning, loss of vision and even death.

Greek Ministry of Health reminded that the sale of alcohol to minors is prohibited, and establishments that violate this law may be closed and fined. Authorities are also checking the supply chain of drinks to nightclubs in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Doctors warn that even one glass of adulterated alcohol can lead to hospitalization, especially in teenagers. Parents are advised to pay attention to where and with whom their children spend their evenings.

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