People indulge in alcohol consumption for various reasons. Alcohol in moderation can create pleasant effects on mood and behaviour. However, excessive amounts can lead to high impairments with disastrous consequences. Alcohol impairment causes many road accidents every year. As the need for safer roads increases, the government now enforces stricter road and traffic laws. Drink driving in Australia can now be a criminal offence with severe penalties. More law enforcers these days patrol the road for signs of impaired driving. This is why many people use personal alcohol breathalysers to help them limit their intake and avoid getting drink driving charges.

Breathalysers are breath-testing devices that measure Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). A breathalyser consists of sensors and a reaction chamber. The sensors react with the alcohol and create a chemical reaction when you blow into the device. The more alcohol oxidised, the greater the electrical currents produced. The number of electrical currents determines the BAC. BACtrack personal breathalysers use advanced fuel cell sensor technology to analyse alcohol in the breath. Fuel cell sensors are specific to ethanol and do not react with other substances in the breath. Therefore, BACtrack devices are capable of highly accurate and precise BAC readings. Moreover, these are the same sensors found in the breathalysers of law enforcement officers.

Applications of Alcohol Breathalysers

The BAC correlates to the intoxication levels. Generally, the higher the BAC, the more likely the individual will experience alcohol-induced impairments. It provides a quantitative measurement of the amount of ethanol in the breath sample. Police officers initially used breathalysers to help enforce drink driving laws and reduce accidents during roadside tests.

Alcohol breathalysers, like BACtrack personal devices, are valuable in helping individuals monitor their BAC levels instantly. It takes only 10 to 15 seconds for a BACtrack device to process the BAC results. Moreover, they can be used throughout the night for continuous monitoring. Knowing the exact BAC could help individuals make informed decisions after consuming alcohol. This can help prevent drink driving accidents.

Similarly, alcohol breathalysers are also essential in workplaces. Those in high-risk industries implement zero-alcohol policies to keep the workplace safe and healthy. There are many instances where accidents occur on-site because of alcohol impairments. It costs businesses a lot of money each year in hospitalisation and compensation expenses. Furthermore, prevalent alcohol use leads to low productivity rates and high absenteeism. Therefore, employers implement alcohol testing to monitor sobriety and manage safety risks.

BAC Levels

Alcohol can affect individuals differently, depending on a variety of factors. Nevertheless, these are the common effects individuals will feel as their BAC levels change:

• 0.02% to 0.05%:  feeling of euphoria, relaxation, and lowered inhibitions.
• 0.05% to 0.08%: reduced alertness, impaired judgment and reasoning, balance issues.
• 0.08% to 0.15%: slurred speech, impaired coordination, erratic behaviours, and nausea.
• 0.15% to 0.30%: loss of bladder control, inadequate breathing, severe impairments to physical and cognitive abilities. Many experience vomiting, confusion, and drowsiness at this level.
• 0.30% and above: high risk of alcohol poisoning, loss of consciousness, coma, and possible death.

Alcohol Breathalysers: Factors to Consider When Buying One

When searching for a personal alcohol breathalyser, it is crucial to consider various factors. Firstly, accuracy and reliability. These two are essential for individuals to make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption. Generally, people can choose between semiconductor and fuel cell breathalysers. For accuracy, many consider fuel cell devices as the better option. This is because the sensor only reacts to ethanol. This lowers the chances of inaccurate measurements due to external factors.

Secondly, the cost. Breath-testing devices typically range between $60 to $300. The price mainly depends on the sensors used and the features offered. However, factors like branding may also play a part in the cost. It is important to research what device would suit the needs of the individual best. Some prefer entry-level devices, which have basic features, for quick use. Meanwhile, some may opt for premium devices with features such as GPS tracking and smartphone connectivity.

Lastly, the convenience. Ideally, the device should be user-friendly and portable. This will allow the owner to use the machine whenever needed. Furthermore, user-friendly interfaces are crucial for testing, especially if the individual is intoxicated. Many may benefit from the one-touch operation of BACtrack breathalysers.

Where to Buy

Interested individuals can buy breath-testing devices from various suppliers. Many online retailers offer affordable prices on their websites. People may directly go to the website of the device manufacturer to order their product. They may also go on various online platforms and compare the prices of their preferred model.

Physical stores, like supermarkets, pharmacies, and department stores, also offer several testing devices. One benefit of buying in a store is that the individual can immediately use the device. Furthermore, they may consult the staff for recommendations. They can also see the device firsthand before deciding to purchase.

Conclusion

Alcohol breathalysers are breath-testing devices that measure the BAC levels of individuals. Typically, the higher the BAC, the more impaired the person is. Excessively high BAC levels can lead to impaired coordination, alcohol poisoning, and even death. Hence, it is a crucial tool for monitoring alcohol consumption. It also helps law enforcement officers and employers to identify people who misuse alcoholic beverages.

People may select between semiconductor and fuel cell breathalysers for personal use. Many prefer devices with fuel cell sensors because these provide more accurate readings. Nevertheless, it is important to consider other factors, such as reliability, cost, and convenience, before buying a device. Those who are interested in owning a personal breath-testing device may consider the BACtrack breathalysers available at Breathalysers Australia.