Volatile substances include the most frequently abused drug -
ethanol. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol, drinking alcohol) is the most
widely used intoxicant, legal unless it impairs one's
performance to operate a motor vehicle or other machinery. Some
labratories includes this common drug on all Industrial Drug
Screens along with other common volatiles detected
simultaneously. These include acetone, occasionally found in
diabetics, methanol (grain alcohol), and isopropanol (rubbing
alcohol). Ethanol is occasionally found in preplacement screens
and frequently found in the large Coma Screens, especially in
trauma patients (automobile accidents). Ethanol in low doses,
generally less than 0.04% blood equivalent, is a slight
stimulant to humans. It has been demonstrated that a small
quantity of alcohol increases the acetylcholine neuroreceptor
activity. In larger doses, it has generalized effects graduating
from euphoria through stupor. Death generally occurs from
unconsciousness and cessation of breathing. This may be co