Which substance is described as having toxicity like stepping into a snowstorm?

Which substance is described as having toxicity like stepping into a snowstorm?

• A. Strychnine
• B. Benzene
• C. Methanol
• D. Ethanol

Answer: (C)

Methanol toxicity is famously linked to visual disturbances described as “snowstorm vision.” When methanol is ingested, it is converted by alcohol dehydrogenase into formaldehyde and formic acid, which can severely affect the optic nerve and retina, leading to blurred vision and the appearance of a snow-like field of vision. This specific optic toxicity is not a typical feature of the other substances listed—strychnine causes seizures, benzene mainly harms bone marrow with longer-term exposure, and ethanol causes general CNS depression. The snowstorm visual symptom is a distinctive clue pointing to methanol, making it the best match for the description.

Methanol toxicity is famously linked to visual disturbances described as “snowstorm vision.” When methanol is ingested, it is converted by alcohol dehydrogenase into formaldehyde and formic acid, which can severely affect the optic nerve and retina, leading to blurred vision and the appearance of a snow-like field of vision. This specific optic toxicity is not a typical feature of the other substances listed—strychnine causes seizures, benzene mainly harms bone marrow with longer-term exposure, and ethanol causes general CNS depression. The snowstorm visual symptom is a distinctive clue pointing to methanol, making it the best match for the description.