Why a 'Sip' of Alcohol Isn't a Reliable BAC Measure: Weight, Gender, Food, and Testing Methods Matter
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) depends on:
- Amount consumed (standard drinks: 14g pure ethanol)
- Body weight & composition (water content)
- Sex (women have less gastric ADH, less body water → higher BAC per drink)
- Age, genetics, metabolic rate
- Food intake (slows gastric emptying)
- Medications, health status
A "sip" is undefined (volume, ABV). Only breathalyzer or blood test gives accurate BAC. Legal limit for driving: 0.08% (US), lower for commercial/probationary. Impairment begins at 0.02-0.05%.
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