In a fasting individual, it is generally agreed that 10% to 20% of a dose of alcohol is absorbed from the stomach (the volume of alcohol affects the absorption) and 75% to 80% is absorbed from the small intestine. However the small intestine is by far the most efficient region of the gastrointestinal tract for alcohol absorption because of its very large surface area. Impairment of circulation and respirationĪlcohol is absorbed from all parts of the gastrointestinal tract largely by simple diffusion into the blood. Marked muscular incoordination inability to stand or walk ![]() General inertia approaching loss of motor functions Increased muscular incoordination staggering gait slurred speech Sensory-motor incoordination impaired balanceĭisorientation, mental confusion dizzinessĭisturbances of vision and of perception of color, form, motion and dimensions Reduced visual acuity peripheral vision and glare recovery Impairment of perception, memory and comprehensionĭecreased sensitory response increased reaction time Loss of efficiency in finer performance testsĮmotional instability loss of critical judgment Increased self-confidence decreased inhibitionsĭiminution of attention, judgment and control Mild euphoria, sociability, talkitiveness The following is a generally accepted guide to the effects of alcohol.īehavior nearly normal by ordinary observation The American Medical Association has defined the blood alcohol concentration level of impairment for all people to be 0.04 grams/100 milliliters of blood (equivalent to. With very high concentrations – greater than 0.35 grams/100 milliliters of blood (equivalent to 0.35 grams/210 liters of breath ) – a person can become comatose and die. As blood alcohol concentration increases, a person’s response to stimuli decreases markedly, speech becomes slurred, and he or she becomes unsteady and has trouble walking. In low concentrations, alcohol reduces inhibitions. Because it is distributed so quickly and thoroughly the alcohol can affect the central nervous system even in small concentrations. ![]() ![]() When ingested, alcohol passes from the stomach into the small intestine, where it is rapidly absorbed into the blood and distributed throughout the body. The degree to which the central nervous system function is impaired is directly proportional to the concentration of alcohol in the blood. Alcohol is an organic compound composed of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen its chemical formula is C2H5OH.Īlcohol is a central nervous system depressant and it is the central nervous system which is the bodily system that is most severely affected by alcohol (see chart below). It has a slight, characteristic odor and is very soluble in water. This introduction discusses the physical, chemical, and physiological aspects of the most commonly ingested of these – ethanol.Īlcohol (ethanol) is a clear, volatile liquid that burns (oxidizes) easily. Members of this family include ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, and others. We specialize in evidential breath alcohol testing instruments and training, and are trusted by law enforcement and government regulatory agencies world-wide as a leader in the industry.Īlcohol is a general term denoting a family of organic chemicals with common properties. ![]() Intoximeters, experts in Breath Alcohol Testing since 1945, provides the following white paper as a public courtesy.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |