In Canada, Breathalyzer measurement units are also typically expressed as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), which indicates the amount of alcohol in a person's bloodstream. The standard unit used is:

Milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood (mg/100 mL)

This means that a BAC of 80 mg/100 mL (often written as "0.08") corresponds to 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood. This is the federal legal limit for fully licensed drivers in Canada.

Source: BACtrack - bactrack.com/pages/breath-alcohol-units-of-measurement

In Canada, breathalyzer devices—while widely used for impaired driving enforcement—are not perfectly accurate and have a recognized margin of error. The typical error margin for police-grade breathalyzers is ±0.01% BAC (or ±10 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood), though some devices specify an accuracy of ±5% at the legal limit. This means a reading of 0.08% BAC could actually range from 0.07% to 0.09% due to device variability, calibration, and individual biological factors. Courts have recognized these margins, and in rare cases, convictions have been overturned when the error margin could have placed a driver below the legal threshold.

Source: CBC News - cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/breathalyzer-inaccuracy-erases-conviction-1.938049; Alco Prévention Canada - alcoprevention.com/en/faq/; Progressive Legal Solutions - plslawyers.ca/breathalyzer-false-positive/

The effects of alcohol vary based on body mass, gender, food intake, and overall health. On average, it takes 3 hours to process alcohol equivalent to 500 ml of beer (5%), 50 ml of vodka, or 200 ml of wine (12%).

One of the most popular breathalyzers in Canada is the APC-90 Breathalyzer by Alco Prévention Canada. This device is highly rated by independent media and customers for its police-grade sensor technology, accuracy, and reliability. It features a test counter, memory for the last five results, and an automatic alarm if the blood alcohol content exceeds 0.05%. The APC-90 is widely used for both personal and professional applications across Canada.

Source: alcoprevention.com/en/product/apc-90-breathalyzer/

It typically takes 5 to 8 hours to eliminate 0.1% BAC from the blood, depending on the individual, as the body removes 0.012–0.020% BAC per hour.

Drinking water is the only way to dilute the concentration of alcohol in your body. While it doesn’t speed up the breakdown of alcohol, it can make you feel more sober and reduce promille levels.

In Canada, a standard drink contains 17.05 millilitres or 13.45 grams of pure alcohol. This is the amount of alcohol found in:

• 341 ml (12 oz) of 5% beer, cider, or cooler
• 142 ml (5 oz) of 12% wine
• 43 ml (1.5 oz) of 40% spirits (vodka, rum, whisky, gin, etc.)

To calculate the number of Canadian standard drinks in a beverage, use the formula: (container volume in mL × % alcohol by volume) ÷ 17.05. For example, a 500 ml can of 5% beer equals about 1.5 standard drinks, a 750 ml bottle of 12% wine equals about 5.3 standard drinks, and a 500 ml bottle of 40% spirits equals about 11.7 standard drinks. Canada’s definition of a standard drink is different from many other countries, so always check local guidelines.

Canada.ca - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/alcohol/low-risk-alcohol-drinking-guidelines.html; Rethink Your Drinking - https://www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca/drink-size/

Alcohol detection times vary: in breath up to 24 hours, in urine 10-12 hours, in blood up to 12 hours, in saliva 1-5 days, and in hair up to 90 days.

Source: American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2013). Drug Testing: A White Paper of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

The hours for alcohol sales in Canada vary by province and territory, with further variations possible at the municipal level. Here's a general overview of alcohol sales times across several provinces:

• Ontario: Alcohol can be sold at retail locations (LCBO, grocery stores, etc.) from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., including Sundays. Bars and restaurants may serve alcohol from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• British Columbia: Liquor stores may operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Licensed establishments can serve alcohol from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Quebec: Alcohol can be sold in convenience stores and grocery stores from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Licensed venues can serve alcohol from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m.
• Alberta: Liquor stores may operate from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Restaurants and bars can serve alcohol during the same hours.
• Nova Scotia: Retail alcohol sales are allo74wed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
• Manitoba: Alcohol can be sold in stores from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, though hours may vary by location.

These hours are subject to provincial regulations and local bylaws. Special holidays and events may also affect alcohol sale and service hours.

Source: ksrevenue.gov/abcsaledays.html

Alcohol is broken down in the liver by enzymes. Excessive consumption can lead to fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or even cirrhosis. These conditions can be irreversible, emphasizing the importance of moderation.

Source: Northwestern Medicine.

Long-term alcohol use can cause health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, neurological issues, and mental health disorders like depression. It also increases the risk of cancers such as liver and esophageal cancer.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) impacts behavior and cognitive functions. Lower BAC levels (0.02%-0.05%) cause mild relaxation, while high BAC levels (above 0.08%) impair motor skills, judgment, and increase the risk of aggression.

Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

While alcohol may temporarily make you feel relaxed, it can actually increase stress and anxiety in the long term. Furthermore, regular use as a “stress reliever” can lead to addiction.

Source: Healthline.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) has a significant impact on a person's behavior and cognitive functions. Different BAC levels cause various effects:

Low BAC levels (0.02% - 0.05%)

• Mild relaxation and improved mood may be felt [4]
• There might be slightly impaired decision-making [5]
• Behavior may become more pronounced – louder speaking, larger gestures [6]

Moderate BAC levels (0.05% - 0.08%)

• Attention and perception are impaired [2]
• Coordination of movements and reaction time worsens [2]
• Inhibition decreases, emotions become stronger [2]

High BAC levels (0.08% and above)

• Significant impairment of motor and cognitive functions [2]
• Speech becomes unclear, and balance is affected [6]
• Increased impulsivity and risk of aggression [3]
• Nausea and vomiting may occur [2]

Very High BAC levels (0.20% and above)

• Loss of consciousness and memory impairments may occur [2]
• Serious health risks arise, including breathing difficulties [6]
• At BAC above 0.40%, there is a risk of fatality [6]

It is important to note that the effects of alcohol may vary depending on individual factors such as weight, gender, and overall health condition [4].

Source>: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Key signs of alcohol problems include frequent drinking urges, loss of control, and drinking to improve mood or escape issues. These behaviors often negatively impact work, relationships, and health.

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).