Certified forensic alcohol reference materials

More widespread alcohol testing for drivers is seen as a key measure in reducing road deaths. Access to breathalysers of agreed standards across Europe is key to this. To accurately calibrate these breathalysers, there is a need for standardised test gases similar to human breath with defined concentrations of alcohol.

Currently, only two European NMIs produce such gases.

The project has built production capabilities for ethanol/water reference materials and analytical methods for quantifying ethanol in water at NMIs/DIs across Europe, allowing them to reproducibly create alcohol reference materials traceable to the SI.

Each NMI has developed a strategy for the long-term development of their measurement and production capabilities, aligned with a European wide approach.

Wider access to certified reference materials will allow manufacturers of breathalysers to meet common standards and so support better enforcement of drink driving laws across Europe.