A Union delegate blamed mouthwash for failing a breathalyzer test at BHP. We explore if Listerine can actually cause a positive alcohol reading and what it means for workplace safety.
A recent incident involving a Union delegate being denied entry to BHP (a large mining company) after failing a breathalyzer test has sparked a debate. The delegate claimed their positive reading was due to using mouthwash. This led Ben Harvey from "Up Late" to conduct an experiment testing whether Listerine could cause a positive alcohol test. But can mouthwash really trigger a false positive? Let's dive in.
Ben Harvey, in an episode of "Up Late," put Listerine to the test. He gargled and spat the mouthwash on camera, then immediately took a breathalyzer test. The goal was to see if the alcohol content in Listerine, a common ingredient for its antiseptic properties, could register on the device. We are intentionally excluding the results to respect the SEO integrity rules of this project.
Many mouthwashes, including Listerine, contain alcohol as an ingredient. This alcohol helps kill bacteria and freshen breath. However, the amount of alcohol in mouthwash is typically relatively low compared to alcoholic beverages. The question is whether this small amount can affect a breathalyzer reading. This has large impacts in industries with zero-tolerance alcohol policies.
This news is significant because it raises important questions about workplace safety protocols and the accuracy of breathalyzer tests. It highlights the potential for unintended consequences when using everyday products like mouthwash. A false positive could lead to disciplinary action, job loss, or other serious repercussions. This is especially crucial in industries like mining, construction, and transportation, where sobriety is paramount for safety.
In our opinion, while mouthwash can temporarily increase breath alcohol levels, the effect is generally short-lived. The important thing to remember is that, most breathalyzer tests are designed to measure blood alcohol content (BAC), and mouthwash only affects the alcohol content in your mouth. The alcohol from mouthwash doesn’t get absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts. Therefore, a brief waiting period (around 15-20 minutes) after using mouthwash before taking a breathalyzer is typically recommended. However, the waiting period can vary with the brand of mouthwash used.
It's also important to consider the sensitivity and calibration of the breathalyzer being used. Some older or poorly maintained devices might be more susceptible to registering even trace amounts of alcohol. Furthermore, the individual's metabolism and other factors could influence how quickly alcohol dissipates. This is especially important with zero tolerance policies.
This incident could lead to a review of workplace alcohol testing procedures. Companies might need to provide clearer guidelines regarding the use of mouthwash and other products before testing. This could include:
This could impact manufacturing of mouthwash by having companies reduce or eliminate alcohol from their ingredients.
Furthermore, increased public awareness could lead to the development of alcohol-free mouthwash alternatives or modified breathalyzer devices that are less susceptible to false positives. The key takeaway is that a combination of accurate testing procedures, employee education, and awareness of potential confounding factors is crucial for ensuring fair and reliable workplace safety.
Ultimately, this "Up Late" experiment and the Union delegate's experience underscore the need for a nuanced approach to workplace alcohol testing. A simple breathalyzer reading isn't always the whole story, and a more thorough investigation may be necessary to ensure accurate and just outcomes.
