FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 16, 2010

The chemistry of alcohol and hangovers: A new ACS video

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2010 � Anyone who needs a reason not to overindulge on St. Patrick’s Day –� or on any other day of the year –� can view on alcohol’s effects on the body.

The Chemistry of Alcohol and Hangovers illustrates in brilliant high-definition detail the unpleasant after-effects that excessive drinking can have on the body. The video, released today, showcases a lecture on the topic by Diane Bunce, Ph.D., professor of chemistry at the Catholic University of America (CUA). A recipient of the ACS Helen Free Award for Public Outreach and associate, Bunce is editor for Chemical Education research for ACS� Journal of Chemical Education.

Media Contact:

Michael Bernstein
m_bernstein@acs.org
202-872-6042


Michael Woods
m_woods@acs.org
202-872-6293

The video, available today, March 16, beginning at 6 p.m. ET, was produced by the ACS Office of Public Affairs and illustrates the chemistry behind these and other side effects of hangovers:

  • Headaches, caused by low blood sugar and allergic reactions to certain ingredients in liquor.
  • Nausea and upset stomach, resulting from alcohol’s irritant effect, which stimulates the secretion of acid in the stomach.
  • Thirst, the result of alcohol’s dehydrating effects on the body.
  • Blood sugar levels, which increase for about an hour, and then drop to low levels that contribute to hangover symptoms.

Bunce delivered the lecture as part of a chemistry course for nonscience majors course at CUA. “The students include majors in politics, education, English, history, philosophy, and other fields,� Bunce noted. “It’s an excellent group to educate about the chemistry behind real-world issues.�

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