The Effect of Alcohol at Different BAC Levels
Following are some common symptoms and the varying degrees of physical and mental impairment based on the different levels of BAC (blood alcohol concentration).
0.02% to 0.03% BAC: Mild effects of alcohol can be felt. The subject may feel somewhat relaxed and light-headed with a slight feeling of euphoria. Some degree of impaired judgement may be exhibited.
0.04% to 0.06 BAC: The subject’s behavior can become exaggerated such as their volume of speech may increase. Some loss of muscle coordination begins to take place. Vision may become blurry. Inhibitions are lowered and judgment becomes noticeably impaired. Some loss of memory may occur.
0.07% to 0.09 BAC: The legal limit in 49 of the 50 states in the US is 0.08. Utah alone has lowered it to 0.05. At this level a subject will become less coordinated and their balance will be impaired. Speech can be slurred and hearing impaired. Operating a vehicle or machinery is more difficult and dangerous. Judgment becomes impaired and it is very difficult to concentrate. Remembering even routine names and items becomes difficult.
0.10% to 0.14 BAC: Ability to react quickly and coordination is diminished. Speech becomes slurred, thinking is slowed and ability to reason is impaired.
0.15% BAC: At this level most states have increased penalties for a BAC level of 0.15 or above. The subject will have limited ability to control their balance and voluntary muscles, so walking in a straight line and speaking clearly are difficult. Some persons may experience vomiting.
0.20-0.29% BAC: Stumbling, confusion, dizziness, and disorientation are common. Limited sensation of pain occurs. Nausea and vomiting are very likely. Passing out may occur in some cases and inability to remember events that occurred while intoxicated at this level is common.
0.30-0.39% BAC: The subject may become unconscious. The potential for death due to alcohol poisoning increases. A severely adverse effect on breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex takes place.
0.40% BAC and over: The onset of a comma is very probable. Death due to respiratory arrest may occur.
An alcohol breathalyzer buyers guide will help you select the right breathalyzer for your particular needs. It can be used to determine the approximate BAC of a subject. many professionals will employ a zero tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol consumption and a breathalyzer will help aid in this mission.