November 2010
Modeling Alcohol Intake and Metabolism
Our Challenge
- ChemRisk was retained to estimate the volume of alcohol consumed by an individual.
- Allegations of intoxication were based upon testimony regarding the intensity of ethanol odor in the individual’s breath.
Our Approach
- We used a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to estimate the exhaled concentration of ethanol at certain time points throughout the time of the incident.
- We conducted a thorough review of the scientific literature regarding odor thresholds for alcohol and compared the range of thresholds to the model results.
- This review was used as the basis for expert testimony in the litigation.
Our Findings
- PBPK modeling is an accurate method to estimate previously consumed alcohol (based on reported ethanol odor in breath)