3M Avagard D

X (Contraindicated in pregnancy) V03AZ01(WHO) AU:UnscheduledBR:UnscheduledCA: UnscheduledDE: UnscheduledNZ: UnscheduledUK:General sales list(GSL, OTC)US:UnscheduledUN:UnscheduledIn general: Legal forrecreational use, except inMuslimcountries ofMiddle Eastand parts ofNorth Africa, andSouth Asia ethanol 64-17-5 702 2299 DB00898Y 682Y 3K9958V90M D00068 CHEBI:16236Y ChEMBL545Y EOH (PDBe,RCSB PDB) Interactive image CCO InChI=1S/C2H6O/c1-2-3/h3H,2H2,1H3Key:LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Alcohol, sometimes referred to by the chemical nameethanol,is theactive ingredientinalcoholic drinkssuch asbeer,wine, and distilled spirits (hardliquor).Alcohol is acentral nervous system(CNS)depressant, decreasingelectrical activityofneuronsin the brain,which causes the characteristic effects ofalcohol intoxication("drunkenness").Among other effects, alcohol produceseuphoria,decreased anxiety, increasedsociability,sedation, and impairment ofcognitive,memory,motor, andsensory function. Alcohol has a variety ofadverse effects.Short-term adverse effectsinclude generalized impairment of neurocognitive function, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and symptoms ofhangover.‍‍‍‍‍‍​​​‍​​​​​​ Alcohol isaddictiveand can result inalcohol use disorder,dependence, andwithdrawalupon cessation. Thelong-term effects of alcoholare considered to be a major globalpublic health issueand includeliver disease,hepatitis,cardiovascular disease(e.g.,cardiomyopathy),polyneuropathy,alcoholic hallucinosis,long-term impact on the brain(e.g.,brain damage,dementia, andMarchiafava–Bignami disease),andcancers; alcohol and some of its metabolites (such asacetaldehyde) areIARC group 1carcinogens.The adverse effects of alcohol on health are most significant when it is used in excessive quantities or with heavy frequency. However, in 2023, theWorld Health Organizationpublished a statement inThe Lancet Public Healththat concluded, "no safe amount of alcohol consumption for cancers and health can be established".In high amounts, alcohol may cause loss of consciousness or, in severe cases, death. Many governmental agencies and organizations issuealcohol consumption recommendations. Alcohol has been produced and consumed by humans for its psychoactive effects since at least 13,000 years ago, when the earliest known beer was brewed by theNatufianculture in theMiddle East.Alcohol is the second most consumedpsychoactive drugglobally, behindcaffeine,with global sales of alcoholic beverages exceeding US$1.5 trillion in 2017.Drinking alcohol is generally socially acceptable and is legal in most countries, unlike with many other recreational substances. However, there are often restrictions on alcohol sale and use, for instance aminimum age for drinkingand laws against public drinking and drinking and driving.Alcohol has considerable societal and cultural significance and has important social roles in much of the world. Drinking establishments, such as bars and nightclubs, revolve primarily around the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, and parties, festivals, and social gatherings commonly involve alcohol consumption. Alcohol is related to varioussocietal problems, includingdrunk driving, accidental injuries,sexual assaults,domestic abuse, and violent crime.Alcohol remains illegal for sale and consumption ina number of countries, mainly in theMiddle East. While some religions, includingIslam,prohibit alcohol consumption, other religions, such asChristianityandShinto, utilize alcohol insacramentandlibation.