Blood alcohol concentrations as affected by combinations of alcoholic beverage dosages and altitudes.

PDFTech ReportAM 70-5DOT/FAA/AM-70/5Air pilotsAltitudeAlcohol useAlcohol effectsBlood alcohol levelsAlcohol blood testsDosageHuman subject testingRespiratory systemOxygenHeart rateUrineMetabolismAbsorptionUnited StatesCivil Aerospace Medical InstituteHiggins, E. ArnoldVaughan, John A.Funkhouser, Gordon E.United States. Office of Aviation MedicineNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Human FactorsNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Human FactorsUS Transportation CollectionThis study established blood alcohol levels in man at 12,000 ft. with and without supplemental oxygen and at 20,000 ft. with supplemental oxygen. At 2.50ml. of 100 proof bourbon/kg. body weight, subjects exhibited a lower blood alcohol level at 12,000 ft. without supplemental oxygen than at 20,000 ft. with supplemental oxygen. A difference in blood alcohol levels was not seen with 1.25 ml. of 100 proof bourbon/kg. body weight.It was established that dehydration effects alone could not account for these findings. The effect of breathing a normal oxygen mixture could not be ascertained with the data collected. An increased motility attributable to the lowered barometric pressure could increase the absorption rate of the alcohol at 20,000 ft. with the high dose, thereby contributing to higher blood alcohol levels