The following are strictly personal views/observations and in no way reflect the views of the Peace Corp nor the federal government of the United States.

Rubbing alcohol, traditionally used as a disinfectant for cuts, is dyed dark green in Moldova. This colorant was added because so many people in Moldova were drinking it.

I am not sure if the green colorant is a deterrent to the potential rubbing alcohol drinker or if the colorant serves the purpose of making the rubbing alcohol drinkers easily identifiable; because, the colorant would definitely serve to give the lips, tongue and teeth a green hue.

When one sees a person with obviously green lips and mouth, what is the appropriate course of action? Do you comment, “you have something green all over your mouth, have you been into the disinfectant again”; or, would you just know it was time to organize an intervention.

Personally, when I see someone with green lips my first thoughts run to oral gangrene rather than rubbing alcohol drinker.