* High levels of impurities: The alcohol may contain harmful chemicals or contaminants that make it unsafe to drink.
* Specific uses: The alcohol might be intended for industrial, scientific, or medicinal purposes, where its purity and intended use are different from those of beverage alcohol.
* Denatured alcohol: This is a common type of nonpotable alcohol where a bitter-tasting, poisonous substance (denaturant) is added to make it undrinkable.
Here are some examples of nonpotable alcohol:
* Ethanol used in solvents and cleaning products: This alcohol is often denatured to prevent accidental ingestion.
* Methanol: This is a highly toxic alcohol that can cause blindness and death if consumed. It is used in industrial applications.
* Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol): This alcohol is used for disinfecting and cleaning, and it is toxic if ingested.
It is crucial to remember that nonpotable alcohol is not safe for consumption. Even if it looks or smells like regular alcohol, it can contain harmful substances that could lead to serious health consequences.