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Do Breathalyzers Actually Measure Alcohol?
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Breathalyzers are made to detect and measure any chemical compound that contains the methyl group in its molecular structure. The problem is that those compounds are not found only in alcohol and some can actually be found on the human breath.
Infrared spectroscopy is a technology commonly used in most breath machines used by law enforcement today. When a breath test is being administered, the
DUI suspect must breath through a tube connected to the machine. A breath sample is then captured in a small sample chamber inside the machine. Then beams of infrared light are shot through the captured breath sample. If there are any methyl compounds in the breath sample they will absorb light from the beams. The more light that is absorbed, the less light reaches sensors at the other end of the chamber. The less light that is detected by those sensors, the higher the blood-alcohol reading.
These breathalyzers are more attractive to government because they are cheap. Instead of using more expensive filters or multiple filters, a lesser number of less-costly filters are used. The machines are then non specific to what compounds they detect. If a person has any of these other compounds on their breath, they will get a falsely high breath test.
According to a study done on 8 men, 69 different compounds were found containing the methyl group. A different study with 29 test subjects found that the "combined expired air comprises at least 102 various organic compounds of endogenous and exogenous origin." Diabetics with low blood sugar can have high levels of acetone, which is detected as alcohol by breathalyzers. Scientific studies have found that people on diets can have reduced blood-sugar levels, causing large amounts of acetone than normally seen in individuals. A smoker's BAC test is likely to read higher then expected because of the compound acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is produced in the human body as a by-product in metabolizing consumed alcohol, and eventually passes into the lungs and breath. According to researchers, levels of acetaldehyde in the lungs can be 30 times higher in smokers than in non-smokers. This results in a higher BAC reading. There are also industrial compounds such as paint, glue, gasoline, and thinners that contain methyl group. Simply absorbing these industrial compounds through your skin or inhaling the fumes can cause significant levels of the chemical in your body for hours or even days.
There are so many factors that can be attacked related to the methods and circumstances surrounding a DUI case. However, to really evaluate whether you should fight your case, you must speak to a seasoned Los Angeles DUI attorney.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, contact our office today. Our Los Angeles attorneys have handled thousands of DUI cases and have a combined 75 years of experience. Call the
Hedding law firm today at 818-986-2092. |
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Posted By Admin on
March 22, 2011 12:40 pm |
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