Final answer:
BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Concentration, and the legal impairment limit in most U.S. states is 0.08%. BAC levels influence behavior and reaction time, with individual variations based on several factors. Responsible consumption is advised for adults of legal drinking age.
Step-by-step explanation:
BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Concentration, which measures the amount of alcohol in a person's bloodstream. The legal limit for BAC indicating legal impairment in most U.S. states is 0.08%. Beyond this threshold, an individual is considered legally impaired to drive.
Alcohol metabolizes in the body at a rate of about 3.3 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) per hour, differing from person to person. The effects of alcohol vary based on a person's BAC level, which can influence behavior, reaction time, and consciousness. It takes approximately five hours for a person with a BAC of 0.08% to metabolize the alcohol and return to sobriety. Factors such as age, sex, health conditions, and individual tolerance can affect the BAC and its effects, making it a personalized measure.
Moderate consumption of alcohol is advised, up to one drink per day for women and two for men. Remember that only adults of legal drinking age should consume alcohol and should do so responsibly to avoid any legal impairment or harm to health.