How much does residual mouth alcohol dissipate every 5 minutes?

The correct answer indicates that residual mouth alcohol dissipates by 75% every 5 minutes. This concept is crucial in understanding the timeline of alcohol absorption and measurement in breath testing.

When a person consumes alcohol, it can be present in their mouth, which can lead to inaccurate readings on breath testing devices like the Intoxilyzer 9000. As time passes after alcohol consumption, this mouth alcohol begins to evaporate. Studies and expert opinions suggest that a significant portion, around 75%, is eliminated from the oral cavity within a 5-minute timeframe.

Recognizing this percentage is essential for law enforcement and forensic professionals who must account for any potential interference from mouth alcohol when conducting a breath test shortly after drinking. Understanding this dissipation rate can help in interpreting test results accurately and ensuring that breath alcohol concentration readings are reflective of a person's true blood alcohol content at the time of testing.