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This paper reviews the use of additives to improve safety aspects associated with the use of methanol as a motor fuel. A survey of the literature was conducted to determine candidate additives for methanol that produce one or more of the following properties: provide a visible or luminous flame, reduce the potential for skin contact, give a foul or unpleasant taste and odor, and act as an emetic. Candidate additives were reviewed to determine potential effectiveness, cost, east of production, health problems, and effects on vehicle performance. Potential additives include complex hydrocarbon mixtures such as gasoline, alcohol soluble dyes and unpalatable compounds such as denatonium benzoate.

As part of a study to analyze used catalysts, radiographs (x-rays) were taken of a number of used catalysts. Originally the radiographs were taken to aid in the disassembly of the catalysts. It was later found that the radiographs could be used to determine the amount of lead contained in the catalyst. The technique used to determine lead content is discussed and examples presented. Possible future uses of this technique in both research and after-market used catalyst screening are also discussed.