25 Dec 09 How Does Smoking Affect My Breathalyzer Result?

Whether you are trying to be a responsible driver and carry your own breathalyzer, or you are simply concerned about being booked on something that you did not do, you will find that smoking is something that can affect your breathalyzer result. Though this has been suspected for quite some time, the fact of the matter is one that is only now getting more attention. If you want to know more about this issue, there are some facts you need to consider.

First of all, it helps to understand how breathalyzers work. When you consume alcohol, the pure alcohol does not get digested by the body. Instead, it rests in the body’s soft tissues, like the tissues in the mouth, and this is what is measured as you blow into a breathalyzer. When you are given a breathalyzer test, the machine measures the amount of alcohol that exists in your body before assigning digits that are considered as standard for being under the influence of alcohol. The resulting number can mean the difference between being taken to jail and being sent on your way.

While most people understand how the basics of a breathalyzer test, what they don’t understand is that they aren’t able to measure alcohol with precision. They simply look for any compound in the methyl group and assume its alcohol. The issue at hand is that some chemicals that are produced in the liver are released when you smoke. The chemicals can be read by a breathalyzer as being alcohol. While the amount of this chemical that’s released is very small, even for heavy smokers, it could be enough to tip the breathalyzer to a positive reading. If you have worries about being a borderline case, smoking could put you into dangerous territory.

The solution to getting an accurate reading may be to use a higher quality breathalyzer. Many times, expertly calibrated and more expensive breathalyzer models that use higher quality components deliver more precise results. Additionally, a breathalyzer that’s been recently calibrated by someone that knows what they’re doing is usually more precise. For this reason, it is preferable to use models that have a sensor that has to be replaced.

The variable of being a smoke can change things if you are trying to stay on the right side of the law. If you or someone you know smokes, this is something to think about. Consider how even a tiny variation can negatively affect your life and make sure you understand where something like this can lead you.

Written by Robin Saunders, an experienced writer that tackles various subjects including alcohol, breathalyzers, DUI etc. The author owns an Alcohawk himself and it’s time that you own one too.

Tags: health and fitness