Can Hand Sanitizer Make You Fail a Breathalyzer?
Breathalyzers are commonly used tools to detect alcohol levels in a person’s breath, and they are often used by law enforcement to determine if someone is under the influence of alcohol. However, many people are unaware that certain substances, such as hand sanitizer, can cause false positives on a breathalyzer test. This article will explore the question of whether hand sanitizer can make you fail a breathalyzer and provide some tips on how to avoid such a situation.
Understanding Hand Sanitizer and Breathalyzers
Hand sanitizer is a gel or liquid that contains alcohol as the active ingredient. It is designed to kill germs and bacteria on the hands by breaking down the cell walls of these microorganisms. The most common type of alcohol used in hand sanitizers is isopropyl alcohol, which has a concentration of about 60-90%.
On the other hand, breathalyzers work by measuring the concentration of alcohol in a person’s breath. When a person consumes alcohol, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually exhaled through the lungs. The breathalyzer analyzes the breath sample to determine the alcohol concentration, which is then used to determine if the person is impaired.
Can Hand Sanitizer Cause a False Positive?
Yes, hand sanitizer can indeed cause a false positive on a breathalyzer test. This is because the alcohol in hand sanitizer can be detected in a person’s breath, even if they have not consumed any alcohol. The concentration of alcohol in hand sanitizer is often similar to that found in alcoholic beverages, which can trigger the breathalyzer to register a higher alcohol level than what is actually present in the person’s bloodstream.
How to Avoid False Positives
To avoid a false positive on a breathalyzer test due to hand sanitizer, it is important to follow these tips:
1. Avoid using hand sanitizer immediately before taking a breathalyzer test. Wait for at least an hour after using hand sanitizer to ensure that the alcohol has dissipated from your breath.
2. If you are in a situation where you must use hand sanitizer, try to use an alcohol-free alternative. There are many hand sanitizers available on the market that do not contain alcohol.
3. Be aware of the ingredients in hand sanitizers and other products you use. Some personal care products may contain alcohol, which could potentially affect a breathalyzer test.
Conclusion
While hand sanitizer can indeed cause a false positive on a breathalyzer test, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of such an occurrence. By being mindful of the products you use and the timing of their use, you can help ensure that your breathalyzer test results are accurate and reflect your true alcohol consumption.
