Why should I be concerned if the bioethanol I'm burning contains methanol or hydrocarbons?
Ethanol is exactly the same chemical structure no matter what the feed stock it is products from. However the added denaturants put into ethanol to stop people from drinking the product varies dramatically. These denaturants are not all equal, and burning a bioethanol indoors that contains methanol or petrochemical hydrocarbon is unhealthy and dangerous.
Some companies promote Methylated Spirit or Industrial Methylated Spirit for use in Ethanol Fireplaces. In Australia Methylated Spirit is a technical or industrial grade of ethanol which is denatured with hazardous chemicals for industrial applications and not for burning indoors. The denaturants used in methylated spirit vary and can commonly contain toxic methanol, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, Denatonium Benzoate (Bitrex) and in hydrocarbons.
Ethanol Fireplace Fuel does not use any of the above denaturants, as they can cause an unwelcome smell when used in ethanol burning fireplaces. Uniquely our bioethanol is denatured with another form of alcohol so that no unwanted smells are given off by the burning fuel. Our Bioethanol Fireplace Fuel is guaranteed methanol, MIBK, Denatonium Benzoate (Bitrex) and hydrocarbon free.
Never use bioethanol that contains toxic methanol, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, Denatonium Benzoate (Bitrex) and products like kerosene or petrol. Only use bioethanol in your ethanol fireplace.