Can mouthwash affect the readings of the Intoxilyzer 9000?

Mouthwash can indeed affect the readings of the Intoxilyzer 9000 due to the presence of alcohol in many formulations. Many types of mouthwash contain significant amounts of ethanol, which can be absorbed into the oral cavity and subsequently vaporized into the breath. When an individual uses mouthwash shortly before taking a breath test, the residual alcohol in the mouth can elevate the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) readings on the Intoxilyzer 9000, potentially producing misleading results. This is a critical point for law enforcement and testing protocols, as it emphasizes the importance of ensuring that individuals undergoing breath tests have not consumed substances that may artificially inflate their BAC readings shortly before the test. Understanding this aspect is vital for accurate testing and ensuring that the results reflect true impairment due to alcohol consumption rather than residual mouthwash alcohol.