To make matters worse, the machine detects alcohol through "additive absorption." In other words, the more methyl groups the instrument detects by their absorbing the infrared energy, the higher will be the blood-alcohol reading. Thus all of the non-alcoholic compounds on the breath will have a cumulative effect—that is, the errors will be added one on top of another.
How prevalent are chemicals in the breath that can register on breath analyzing machines? Here are some common things that can give falsely high readings:
There have been a number of recognized studies on the existence of chemical compounds on the breath, all concluding that a wide variety of compounds exists, including compounds containing the methyl group. For further information see, BAC Level Studies.
Alcohol and the Human Body
Very general discussion of the physiological effects of ethanol.
Alcohol Breathalyzer Tests
Discussion of the type of chemical test you should take if you are arrested for a DUI in California.
Intoximeters, Inc
One of the major manufacturers of breath instruments used by law enforcement.
The Drunk Driving Law Center
Megasite with discussion and links concerning blood alcohol concentration and blood and breath alcohol analysis.
Breathalyzer Accuracy
Discussion of scientific research into the accuracy and reliability of law enforcement breath testing devices, from California DUI attorney Lawrence Taylor's book, "Drunk Driving Defense, 6th edition" (see The Best DUI Lawyers).
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