A breathalyzer, while designed to measure blood alcohol content (BAC) accurately, is susceptible to interference from various sources. These interferences can cause the device to register a BAC level that does not reflect the individual’s true physiological state. For example, certain medical conditions like acid reflux or diabetes, the presence of mouth alcohol from recently consumed substances such as breath sprays or cough syrups, or even environmental factors like strong electromagnetic fields, can all lead to skewed readings.
The reliability of breathalyzer results is critical in legal contexts, especially when determining intoxication for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. Erroneous readings can have significant consequences, impacting individuals’ lives and potentially leading to unjust outcomes. Understanding the factors that contribute to inaccurate readings is thus paramount for both law enforcement and individuals subject to breathalyzer testing. The development and refinement of breathalyzer technology have historically focused on minimizing these interferences to enhance result accuracy.
