What Are Breathalyzers?
Wednesday, 25 November 2009 11:35
Author: Robin Saunders
You probably know that a breathalyzer is something that the police use to test blood alcohol levels, such as when a motorist is suspected of driving under the influence. However, what you probably don't know is how these instruments work. Breathalyzers actually measure the level of alcohol present in the lungs; from this, the blood alcohol level can be determined. While the standard field sobriety tests such as having someone walk a straight line are useful in identifying motorists who are severely impaired by alcohol, the accuracy of these tests varies widely. A breathalyzer, on the other hand, is both quick and accurate.
You probably know that a breathalyzer is something that the police use to test blood alcohol levels, such as when a motorist is suspected of driving under the influence. However, what you probably don't know is how these instruments work. Breathalyzers actually measure the level of alcohol present in the lungs; from this, the blood alcohol level can be determined. While the standard field sobriety tests such as having someone walk a straight line are useful in identifying motorists who are severely impaired by alcohol, the accuracy of these tests varies widely. A breathalyzer, on the other hand, is both quick and accurate.
The basic price ranges from about $40-$500. The different models come with a variety of features, there is even one that can be used in conjunction with an IPod. Some breathalyzers are built in a small, sleek form for use in bars, while professional ones are often larger. Most use mouthpieces; however, some models don't even require that. This can be helpful for testing multiple people without a lot of extra supplies or cleaning. One of the major differences between the more economical and the more pricey styles is the type of testing used. Fuel cell sensors are often more accurate and have less false positives than silicon oxide testers.
There are a lot of myths about ways to fool a breathalyzer. People suggest using items like garlic, breath mints, and mouthwash. Most of those methods don't work, because they don't change the amount of alcohol in the lungs. Mouthwash can actually make the alcohol level read much higher, since it is concentrated in the mouth and can actually contain alcohol itself.
There are a lot of different reasons to use breathalyzers. Some people prefer to have one on hand when they're drinking, since this lets them know when they've had enough; alcohol is known for hampering your judgment, so these instruments can help you or your friends know when it's time to call it a night. Best of all, this lets you help to keep your friends and family safe without giving the impression that you're nagging them.
Drinking amongst teenagers is on the rise, but a breathalyzer can be a powerful tool to fight against underage drinking. Parents and school staff can use breathalyzers to quickly check students to make sure that they have not been indulging; something which is especially important at school-sponsored events such as dances where teenagers may drink and drive without a breathalyzer being used to discourage this behavior.
A breathalyzer is above all a piece of safety equipment. It can prevent a driver from getting behind the wheel when they've had too much to drink and literally save lives. Parents, school officials and anyone who drinks or has friends and family who drink will find owning a breathalyzer to offer peace of mind and a convenient way to make sure that the people in their lives are safer. Easy to use, affordable and available with features to meet virtually anyone's needs, a breathalyzer is something that almost anyone could use around the home.
You probably know that a breathalyzer is something that the police use to test blood alcohol levels, such as when a motorist is suspected of driving under the influence. However, what you probably don't know is how these instruments work. Breathalyzers actually measure the level of alcohol present in the lungs; from this, the blood alcohol level can be determined. While the standard field sobriety tests such as having someone walk a straight line are useful in identifying motorists who are severely impaired by alcohol, the accuracy of these tests varies widely. A breathalyzer, on the other hand, is both quick and accurate.
The basic price ranges from about $40-$500. The different models come with a variety of features, there is even one that can be used in conjunction with an IPod. Some breathalyzers are built in a small, sleek form for use in bars, while professional ones are often larger. Most use mouthpieces; however, some models don't even require that. This can be helpful for testing multiple people without a lot of extra supplies or cleaning. One of the major differences between the more economical and the more pricey styles is the type of testing used. Fuel cell sensors are often more accurate and have less false positives than silicon oxide testers.
There are a lot of myths about ways to fool a breathalyzer. People suggest using items like garlic, breath mints, and mouthwash. Most of those methods don't work, because they don't change the amount of alcohol in the lungs. Mouthwash can actually make the alcohol level read much higher, since it is concentrated in the mouth and can actually contain alcohol itself.
There are a lot of different reasons to use breathalyzers. Some people prefer to have one on hand when they're drinking, since this lets them know when they've had enough; alcohol is known for hampering your judgment, so these instruments can help you or your friends know when it's time to call it a night. Best of all, this lets you help to keep your friends and family safe without giving the impression that you're nagging them.
Drinking amongst teenagers is on the rise, but a breathalyzer can be a powerful tool to fight against underage drinking. Parents and school staff can use breathalyzers to quickly check students to make sure that they have not been indulging; something which is especially important at school-sponsored events such as dances where teenagers may drink and drive without a breathalyzer being used to discourage this behavior.
A breathalyzer is above all a piece of safety equipment. It can prevent a driver from getting behind the wheel when they've had too much to drink and literally save lives. Parents, school officials and anyone who drinks or has friends and family who drink will find owning a breathalyzer to offer peace of mind and a convenient way to make sure that the people in their lives are safer. Easy to use, affordable and available with features to meet virtually anyone's needs, a breathalyzer is something that almost anyone could use around the home.
About the Author:
Written by Robin Saunders, an accomplished writer that deals with various topics that are not limited to alcohol, DUI, alcohol tester etc. The author personally uses Alcohawk, find out why it's one of the best testers out there.
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