TOXICOLOGY PART II Alcohol

The Path Alcohol Follows through the Body 1. Alcohol (ethanol) is ingested through the mouth. 2. Some alcohol passes into the bloodstream through the stomach. 3. Most alcohol passes into the bloodstream through the small intestine. 4. The heart pumps blood containing alcohol to the brain and other organs. 5. Alcohol travels to the liver where it is metabolized Broken down

Metabolism of Alcohol by the Liver  The liver is an organ of the digestive system. It plays an important role in detoxifying the blood.  10% of ingested alcohol remains unchanged and leaves the body via breath, sweat and urine.  90% of all alcohol ingested is broken down in the liver. CO 2 + H 2 O Carbon Dioxide Water OH (hydroxyl) is the group that is common to all alcohols

Metabolism of Alcohol  The body starts to detoxify alcohol upon ingestion  The average rate of removal is about percent per hour  If the same number of drinks is consumed over a longer period of time then the BAC would be lower 1 drink 2 drinks 3 drinks 4 drinks Marked Impairment Rapid Consumption of Alcohol One drink" is a 1 1/4-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor (even if it's mixed with non-alcoholic drinks), a 4-ounce glass of wine, or 10 ounces of 5.7% beer.

Factors that Affect Blood Alcohol Levels  Weight  Gender  Amount of food in stomach  Amount of alcohol consumed  Period of time over which alcohol is ingested

Calculating Blood Alcohol Levels

BAC Calculation Example

BAC Levels and Impairment Ethanol is a central nervous system depressant Decline in visual function, Decline in ability to perform 2 tasks at the same time Impaired steering and tracking ability, Reduced Coordination, Reduced ability to respond to emergency driving situations Inability to concentrate, Loss of short-term memory, Loss of speed control, Impaired perception, Reduced information processing capability. Reduced ability to maintain lane position and brake appropriately

Relative Crash Risk and BAC Level  Based on this data..  There is a direct relationship between BAC and crash risk  Crash risk greatly increases at 0.05% BAC and above  Nationally, there has been interest in lowering the legal limit for individuals age 21 and over to 0.05%