Rubbing alcohol is made from mostly isopropyl alcohol and very little water. Other alcohols such as methanol are mixed with it at very high concentrations to produce a distinct smell and deter the consumption of it. The concentrations and types of alcohol used to produce rubbing alcohol are very toxic to humans and can quickly cause brain damage or death.

The alcohol that is relatively safe for human consumption is ethanol based and contains much lower concentrations of alcohol produced by distillation or the fermentation of sugars. This keeps the amount of alcohol much lower than the concentration of alcohol found in rubbing alcohol.

Both kinds of alcohol, rubbing alcohol and ethanol, are toxic to the human system. Because of the much lower concentrations found in consumable products, the affects are rarely life threatening. The consumption of alcohol should be done in moderation however to prevent overconsumption or alcohol poisoning.

The mixture of alcohol found in rubbing alcohol produces its odor. This can be used to identify the liquid as rubbing alcohol, warning those handling it that it is not consumable. The methanol used in rubbing alcohol is very poisonous to humans even in small concentrations.

Ethanol found in beer is produced as a byproduct of the reaction between sugars found in the yeast and malt used in the beer. When the yeast is added, it feeds off of the sugar producing Carbon Dioxide and Alcohol. Once the alcohol gets to a certain level, there will not be enough sugar left to continue feeding the yeast, which can then be filtered out of the mixture. This keeps the amount of alcohol between 4 and 12% by volume. Rubbing alcohol on the other hand, is much closer to 100% alcohol which is much more toxic.

Ethanol is also produced during the distillation process for other beverages. The concentration of alcohol in these beverages is usually higher than that produced during the brewing process, depending on the methods used, but does not come close to the amount of alcohol found in rubbing alcohols.

The affects of rubbing alcohol are similar to those of ethanol in that they can cause the same symptoms, however the absorption rate is much faster for rubbing alcohol and the effects are seen far sooner. While the ingestion of rubbing alcohol is not likely to kill a human, this is possible depending on the amount of alcohol ingested. Upon the accidental ingestion of rubbing alcohol, it is best to seek medical attention or contact the poison control center immediately.