What is a Breathalyzer?

A recent press update has revealed how Professor David Nutt, president of the British Neuroscience Association and Professor at Imperial College, London, suggests alcohol sensors to be fitted in every car as an efforts crack down on drink-related driving. In 2008, Britain saw approximately 8,620 road accidents related to drink driving. Out of the 8,620 reported accidents, 2,020 of these incidents were fatal, demonstrating how standard alcohol detectors are becoming increasingly important for their use to help combat a culture of drink-driving.

The most standard alcohol breath test is performed using a breathalyzer. This device is made up of two vials composed of a photocell indicator and a series of chemicals that work together to calculate the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A mouthpiece is attached to the breathalyzer that acts as a vessel that allows the suspect to blow into the device. During a routine breath test, the breath passes through the vessel to the measurement component of the detector and collects into a vial containing sulfuric acid, potassium dichromate, silver nitrate, and water. Dr. Matthew Day explains in the video below how a standard alcohol breath test works to analyze alcohol content.