"It's colourless and odourless but can be deadly": the facts on methanol poisoning

Simone White from Orpington is now among six people who have died in a suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, but what is methanol and why is it so dangerous?

Expert professor, Christer Hogstrand, has spoken about methanol and it's effects on the human body.

It's believed 28-year old Simone died in Laos after drinking free shots while backpacking in Laos.

A second Australian teenager Holly Bowles was also confirmed dead yesterday.

What happened to Simone White?

It's believed the travellers were offered free shots in the party town of Vang Vieng, about two hours north of the capital Vientiane.

The Nana Backpacker Hostel - where the Australian teenagers were staying - has said it gave out free shots to around 100 guests the previous evening.

Thai police have detained the owner and the manager of the hostel but no one has been charged over the incident.

What is methanol and how does it harm you?

Christer Hogstrand, a professor at King’s College London, has said "methanol isn't uncommon in home-distilled alcohol".

"It's colourless and odourless but it's impact on humans can be deadly."

He added, "It has a different carbon atom structure which completely changes how humans process it in the body, leading to these potentially fatal consequences."

"It is not yet known whether any of the people who fell sick or died were poisoned."

"It can take up to 24 hours for victims to start showing signs of illness." says Mr Hogstrand.

Tributes paid to Simone

Many have paid tribute to Simone today including her parents who said in a statement: "We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving daughter Simone. Simone was one of a kind and had the most wonderful energy and spark for life.

"She was a soul who gave so much to so many and has been taken from us too soon. Our hearts go out to all other families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy."

Her brother Zak said Simone was an 'absolutely lovely' and 'brilliant' sister.

Simone's law firm, Squire Patton Boggs, posted a tribute on Instagram today saying their "talented" colleague had a "bright future ahead of her" and will be sincerely missed.

And a neighbour in Orpington said 'She was an absolutely lovely girl from a lovely family". They said they are "obviously very upset and so is the whole street."

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