Yes. For a woman weighing 50 kg, three and a half bonbons – each with 6 ml of liqueur – would be enough to raise the blood alcohol level beyond the Brazilian Prohibition limit. In the case of a 70 kg man, the limit rises to six bonbons.
The difference is due to the fact that the female organism has fewer enzymes that digest alcohol, making its concentration in the blood higher and longer lasting. Weight also contributes: the smaller the person, the more concentrated alcohol in the body.
In addition, the result can be affected by factors such as an empty stomach at the time of consumption and the level of accuracy of breathalyzers. As of November 2016, the fine for anyone exceeding the blood alcohol limit will rise to R$2,934.70 and the driver’s license will be confiscated on the spot.
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Quantities needed to fail the breathalyzer (for a 70 kg man and a 50 kg woman)
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CONSULTANCYJuliana Cestari, gastronomic consultant
SOURCES Viva Mais Program, to prevent the use of psychoactive substances, from Unicamp.