After heavy drinking, the liver typically handles excess ethanol removal—but Canadian researchers have developed a breakthrough mask that speeds it up dramatically via the lungs.
Excess alcohol overwhelms the liver, spiking blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Peak BAC hits in 30 minutes on an empty stomach or 60 minutes after eating, then drops 0.1–0.15 g per hour based on individual factors. While the liver does most of the work, lungs expel alcohol-laden blood alongside CO2 during exhalation.
University of Toronto scientists have created ClearMate, detailed in Scientific Reports (Nov. 12, 2020). This mask induces controlled hyperventilation—increasing breath rate to expel CO2 and alcohol faster from the bloodstream.
Unchecked hyperventilation risks hypocapnia—low blood CO2 causing tremors, dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations, or worse. ClearMate counters this with precise oxygen and CO2 delivery, maintaining balance via a mechanical valve that recycles excess CO2 on exhale—no electronics needed.
In trials, five participants consumed 250 ml 80° vodka diluted in 500 ml water (raising BAC by 0.1%). Natural elimination was measured, then repeated with 30 minutes of mask use. Results: alcohol cleared three times faster.
Originally for carbon monoxide poisoning, ClearMate excels against severe alcohol intoxication and comas. It earned FDA approval in 2019.
