Alcohol

Alcohol is a chemical. It is one of the most important industrial chemicals. Alcohol is used to make many other chemicals. It can dissolve oils and fats. It is used as fuel in rockets and for antifreeze in cars. It is used to make cosmetics, medicine, inks, detergents and perfumes.

There are hundreds of different kinds of alcohol. Some are clear liquids. Some are thick, oily fluids and some are solid.

One kind of alcohol, ethyl alcohol, is the only kind that is not poisonous. Ethyl alcohol is found in beverages such as wine, beer, and whiskey. It is the alcohol in these beverages that causes a drinker to become intoxicated, or “drunk.” Those who use alcoholic beverages may in time suffer from alcoholism and become alcoholics. The alcoholic cannot control a desire to have more alcohol.

Alcohol is made from grains and fruits by the process called fermentation. Fermentation takes place when yeast is added to grains or fruits. Fermentation changes the sugars or starches in grains or fruits into alcohol.