DrBill: I have an upcoming EtG test in 20 days. I have been completely sober for over two weeks in preparation for this drug/alcohol screen. I don't drink heavily anyway, nor do I smoke or participate in recreational drug use. However, I have read articles that insinuate that inhaling ethanol fumes from hairspray or hand sanitizer can produce a positive EtG result. I am a pretty avid user of aerosol hairsprays. I am smart enough to know to stay away from anything with ethanol in it for at least 80 hours prior to test, but I'll admit that I'm super paranoid. How likely is it that passive contact with these products could produce a positive EtG and, even if they ARE contacted, how long before a negative EtG is produced?

Inhalation of alcohol fumes will definitely create detectable levels of EtG. Detection however is time sensitive. The use you mention results in deposition of alcohol transdermal but definitely via the sebaceous glands as well as via inhalation. But the amounts will be low.

I would recommend switching to a product that does not contain EtOH. That might be hard to find because most hair care products contain EtOH.

In addition, it would be wise to allow 2 days for EtG clearance. Should occur in 24 hours but just to be safe, and due to repeated use, would allow 48 hours. In addition, in the future, remember that products such as mouthwash, food etc that contain EtOH will create detectable EtG but it is usually eliminated within hours, 24 at most. So the key is not to use such products in proximity to the test.