The Effect of Body Temperature on Breathalyzer Tests
In the September 1982 edition of the Michigan Bar Journal, An article entitled “Body Temperature and the Breathalyzer Booby-Trap” discussed the factor of body temperature with regard to breath-alcohol testing. The common body temperature of a DUI suspect in San Francisco is approximately 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). An illness can cause an increase of approximately 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit). The increase may seem minimal, but it can greatly affect the 1:2100 blood-to-alveolar air ratios used by the breathalyzer. This effect can increase the test results up to 7%.
Air sacs in your lungs, known as alveoli, are where the exchange of gases between blood and expired alveolar air occurs.
A direct correlation is assumed between the concentration of alcohol in the alveolar air and concentration of alcohol in the blood, more precisely, ethanol. This assumption is based on Henry’s Law, which states that, at constant temperature, the concentration of gas dissolved in a liquid is proportional to its concentration in the air directly above the liquid.
– Srikumaran K. Melethil, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Missouri, Kansas City
Therefore, when finding your blood-alcohol content, the larger the concentration of alcohol in your blood, the larger the concentration will be in expired alveolar air.
Learn more about the weaknesses of breathalyzer test results by speaking to The Law Offices Of Taylor & Taylor online or calling (562) 330-4173.
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