Ethanol Fueled: Breathalyzers, Tested in the Name of Science—Of Course

In the world of breathalyzers, we suppose it’s safer to consistently read too high than too low. But really, a unit that reads inaccurately is essentially useless. The Breathometer is, therefore, essentially useless. This device, which plugs into the headphone jack of your smartphone, indicated that one of our participants had a BAC of 0.20 after three drinks consumed in an hour and a half, while our control unit revealed he was at a reasonable 0.065. For perspective, 0.20 is a level of drunkenness associated with vomiting, loss of pain sensations, blackouts, and disruption of the gag reflex. Possibly worse, a man who hadn’t had a drink in three days blew a 0.03.