The Science Behind Breathalyzers
Before addressing the myths, it is essential to understand how breathalyzer devices work. These tools are designed to measure the concentration of alcohol in a person's breath, which is then used to estimate their blood alcohol content (BAC). When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream. As blood circulates through the lungs, some of the alcohol is expelled in the breath, a process known as Henry's Law.
There are two primary types of breathalyzers used by law enforcement:
- Fuel Cell Sensors: Used in many professional-grade devices, these measure alcohol content by creating a chemical reaction that oxidizes the alcohol in the breath and produces an electrical current. These are highly accurate and less susceptible to interference from other substances.
- Infrared Spectrometry: Typically used in larger, evidentiary devices at police stations, these spectrometers identify molecules based on how they absorb infrared light. They are advanced and designed to differentiate between ethyl alcohol (drinking alcohol) and other compounds.
Police officers are trained to administer the test correctly, which includes a mandatory observation period (usually 15-20 minutes) before the test to prevent 'mouth alcohol' from affecting the results. This is a key procedural safeguard against false readings.
Popular Myths About Beating a Breathalyzer
Over the years, many urban legends have circulated about how to trick a breathalyzer. These are not only ineffective but can also lead to more complications during a DUI stop.
Myth: Using Mouthwash or Mints
Many people believe that using mouthwash, breath spray, or breath mints can mask or lower a breathalyzer reading. This is entirely false. Not only do these substances fail to lower your BAC, but many mouthwash products actually contain high percentages of alcohol, which can cause an artificially high reading if used just before a test. Police officers are trained to watch for such attempts during the pre-test observation period.
Myth: Sucking on Pennies or Other Objects
This is perhaps one of the oldest and most persistent myths. The theory suggests that copper or other metals on a penny can interfere with the chemical reaction inside the breathalyzer. This is a completely baseless rumor and has no impact on the test results. Placing any object in your mouth before a test is a clear sign to an officer that you are attempting to interfere with the test.
Myth: Eating Food or Drinking Coffee
Consuming food or drinking coffee after alcohol does not lower your BAC, though it may make you feel more alert. A breathalyzer measures alcohol in your deep lung air, not your stomach. Only time allows your body to metabolize alcohol and lower your BAC.
Myth: Holding Your Breath or Hyperventilating
Research has shown that holding your breath can actually increase your breath alcohol concentration, while hyperventilating can lower it slightly, but neither is a reliable strategy. Engaging in such erratic behavior would alert an officer to your intention to manipulate the test, likely leading to a stricter observation period or other measures.
Factors That Can Cause Inaccurate Readings
While you cannot 'cancel out' a breathalyzer, certain medical and environmental factors can lead to an inaccurate reading, which could serve as a defense in court. It's important to distinguish between trying to fool the device and challenging an erroneous result.
Medical Conditions
Several health issues can impact a breath test's accuracy:
- Diabetes and Ketoacidosis: Diabetics, particularly those with uncontrolled blood sugar, can produce ketones, a byproduct of fat metabolism. Acetone, one type of ketone, can be misidentified as ethyl alcohol by some breathalyzers, leading to a false positive reading. This is a valid and often complex defense in DUI cases.
- GERD (Acid Reflux): Individuals with GERD can have stomach alcohol regurgitated into their throat and mouth, which can cause an artificially high reading, especially if the device measures air from the upper part of the lungs.
- Auto-Brewery Syndrome: A rare medical condition where a person's gastrointestinal system ferments carbohydrates to produce ethanol, making them intoxicated without consuming any alcohol.
Diet
Similar to diabetes, the ketogenic (keto) diet can cause the body to enter a state of ketosis, producing ketones that can register as alcohol on some less sophisticated devices. Police-grade, evidentiary breathalyzers are less likely to confuse ketones and ethyl alcohol, but the risk remains with portable units.
Medications and Substances
Some medications contain alcohol or chemicals that can temporarily influence a breath test:
- Cough Syrups and Oral Gels: Many cold medicines and oral pain relievers contain small amounts of alcohol, which can cause a temporary spike in mouth alcohol.
- Asthma Inhalers: Some asthma medications use alcohol as a preservative or propellant, which can be detected on the breath if used right before a test.
- Environmental Exposure: Breathing in fumes from paint, gasoline, or other solvents can potentially lead to a false positive reading.
Comparison: Breathalyzer Myths vs. Scientific Factors
| Feature | Common Myth | Scientific Factor (False Positive) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Masks or neutralizes alcohol on breath. | Introduces a substance misidentified as alcohol by the device. |
| Examples | Mouthwash, pennies, coffee, mints. | Mouth alcohol (from mouthwash, oral gels), ketones (diabetes, keto diet). |
| Effectiveness | Not effective; can increase readings or draw suspicion. | Can potentially cause a high reading, but is not intentional tampering. |
| Outcome | Leads to conviction or further penalties for tampering. | Can be used as a defense to challenge accuracy, potentially leading to dismissal. |
| Consequences | Increases legal risk and potentially higher penalties. | Requires legal counsel to prove and explain the scientific basis. |
Legal Consequences of Tampering
It is critical to understand that attempting to defeat or tamper with a breathalyzer test is a criminal offense in many jurisdictions. For example, if you have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle as a condition of a DUI conviction, any attempt to bypass or interfere with it is a serious violation. This can lead to license revocation, fines, and even jail time. The devices are equipped with anti-tampering technology that can detect such attempts and notify authorities.
Conclusion
In summary, the notion of 'canceling out a breathalyzer' is a pervasive myth with no basis in reality. The only guaranteed way to avoid a positive breath test is to abstain from alcohol consumption before driving. While legitimate medical conditions and certain substances can cause inaccurate readings, these are not intentional countermeasures and often require a sophisticated legal defense to prove. The risks of attempting to manipulate a breath test—including severe legal repercussions—far outweigh any perceived benefits. For personal safety and legal protection, always err on the side of caution: do not drink and drive.
For more information on driving safety and alcohol, you can visit the official website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at https://www.nhtsa.gov/.
