The skin of the ears releases ethanol vapors similar to those of the breath.
- Sensors are installed at the level of both ears to collect the gases released by the skin and in particular those of ethanol vapours.
- This test seems as accurate as the breathalyzer and is less invasive and more hygienic.
Will we soon have ear breathalyzers? In any case, this is what bio-engineers from the Tokyo Medical University are proposing. The latter showed, in a study published on June 10 in the journal Scientific Reports, that the skin of the ears releases a gas that contains values of ethanol similar to those present in the breath. This makes it possible to envisage less invasive and more hygienic breathalyzers.
The skin of the ear, more precise than the skin of the hand
Japanese researchers have imagined a kind of helmet or earmuffs to detect if a person has consumed alcohol. This device measures the blood alcohol level through the skin, and more specifically through the skin of the ears. Sensors are installed at the level of both ears to collect the gases released by the skin and in particular those of ethanol vapours. If it detects such vapours, a light comes on and its intensity makes it possible to calculate the alcohol concentrations.
The accuracy of the new device seems conclusive. The experiment was carried out on the ears of three volunteers. The latter consumed alcohol at a concentration of 0.4 g per kg of body weight, for 140 minutes. The results of this new system were compared to a traditional test for measuring ethanol concentrations in the breath. Changes in the concentration of ethanol released by the ears and by the breath are similar over time for the 3 participants. Additionally, the highest average concentration of ethanol released from the ears is 148 parts per billion, double the concentration previously reported to be released from the skin of the hand.
Beware of alcohol consumption, even moderate
Beware of alcohol consumption, even moderate. A June 2020 study showed that low alcohol consumption in accordance with official recommendations would also present health risks. Researchers have found that more than 50% of cancers resulting from alcohol consumption occur in moderate drinkers and 38% of all alcohol-attributable deaths are diagnosed in former drinkers or drinkers within weekly limits. .
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