An alcometer, also known as a breathalyzer, is a device used to measure the alcohol content or concentration in a person's breath. It is primarily used by law enforcement agencies to determine if an individual is driving under the influence of alcohol.
The word "alcometer" is a combination of "alcohol" and "meter." The device operates based on the principle that when alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream. As the blood circulates through the body, it carries the alcohol to the lungs. When the person exhales, the alcohol molecules evaporate, and their concentration in the breath mirrors the concentration in the blood.
An alcometer works by analyzing the alcohol content present in a person's breath sample. It typically utilizes a fuel cell technology or an infrared light source to measure the alcohol level accurately. The user blows into a mouthpiece or a tube attached to the device, allowing the captured breath to be analyzed.
The result displayed by the alcometer is presented as a numerical value, measured in terms of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) percentage or grams per liter (g/L). Depending on the legal limit in a specific jurisdiction, the device can determine whether a person is above or below the allowable alcohol level. This information helps law enforcement officers make informed decisions regarding potential impairment and related legal actions.
In addition to law enforcement, alcometers are also used in various professional settings, such as workplace safety programs, where sobriety checks are required, or in alcohol rehabilitation centers to monitor patients' progress and ensure compliance with alcohol abstinence programs.
