Methanol
Methanol, like {ethanol}, is an alcohol used as an
alternative fuel or gasoline additive. But it is poisonous to humans and
animals when ingested. It is most often produced using natural gas, but it can
be made using biomass, such as wood. According to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, methanol is less volatile than gasoline, and when it is
blended with gasoline, methanol lowers carbon monoxide emissions but increases
hydrocarbon emissions. When it is used on its own, methanol causes less
ground-level ozone to form than gasoline does. Methanol is not commonly used;
estimates in 2001 placed the number of methanol vehicles at 1,000 or fewer,
according to the EPA.
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