Blood alcohol concentration
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC), also known as blood ethanol concentration, is a measure of the amount of alcohol (ethanol) present in a person's bloodstream. It is usually measured as mass per volume. For example, a BAC of 0.10 means that 0.10% (one tenth of one percent) of a person's blood, by volume, is alcohol.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /blʌd ˈælkəhɔːl kɒnsənˈtreɪʃən/
Etymology
The term "blood alcohol concentration" is derived from the process of measuring the concentration of alcohol in a person's blood. "Blood" comes from the Old English "blod", "alcohol" comes from the Arabic "al-kuhl", and "concentration" comes from the Latin "concentratus".
Measurement
BAC is typically measured with a breathalyzer, a device that estimates BAC from a breath sample. However, it can also be measured directly by analyzing a blood sample, which is the most accurate method.
Effects on the body
The effects of alcohol on the body vary depending on the BAC level. Low levels can result in relaxation and lowered inhibitions, while higher levels can lead to serious health risks including alcohol poisoning, coma, and even death.
Legal implications
In many countries, a BAC above a certain level is considered illegal when operating a motor vehicle. This limit varies from country to country, but it is typically around 0.05% to 0.08%.
Related terms
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Blood alcohol concentration
- Wikipedia's article - Blood alcohol concentration
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