Methanol in human breath

Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1995 Oct;19(5):1147-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1995.tb01593.x.

Abstract

Using proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry for trace gas analysis of the human breath, the concentrations of methanol and ethanol have been measured for various test persons consuming alcoholic beverages and various amounts of fruits, respectively. The methanol concentrations increased from a natural (physiological) level of approximately 0.4 ppm up to approximately 2 ppm a few hours after eating about 1/2 kg of fruits, and about the same concentration was reached after drinking of 100 ml brandy containing 24% volume of ethanol and 0.19% volume of methanol.

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / blood*
  • Alcoholic Beverages*
  • Breath Tests* / instrumentation
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Ethanol / pharmacokinetics
  • Fruit
  • Humans
  • Mass Spectrometry / instrumentation
  • Metabolic Clearance Rate
  • Methanol / pharmacokinetics*
  • Reference Values

Substances

  • Ethanol
  • Methanol