Palcohol may be an employer’s new worst nightmare; right alongside edible marijuana. Palcohol is a new product that sells alcohol in a powdered form at 12% alcohol by volume. This powder can then be added to a liquid or food for consumption, or as discouraged on their website: snorted. Although not currently approved for sale or consumption, Palcohol is in the final review stages by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and expected to be approved.
The existence of Palcohol has the potential to change how individuals consume or even think of alcohol and inebriation. Possibly influenced by the growing market for edible marijuana in Colorado, Palcohol makes it easier to consume alcohol in a discreet and continuous manner. Abusers can simply add Palcohol to their transparent water or even to their lunch for a midday buzz without the risk of bottles or extreme orders.
Employers who strive for a safe and alcohol-free workplace must now take into account this new form of abuse. With less physical evidence, such as the lack for an alcohol bottle or can, it can become difficult to determine employee inebriation. Here are common warning signs to keep a lookout for:
- Problems with attendance and tardiness
- Missing deadlines and performance loss
- Strained relationships with co-workers
- Inebriated appearance and behavior such as
- Smell of alcohol
- Bloodshot eyes
- Inappropriate mood changes
- Excessive use of mouthwash or breath mints
- Sleeping while working
None of these signs designate an alcohol abuser, but they are warning signs to be reviewed in accordance with an organization’s HR and compliance department.
A major concern will apply to motorists who might see Palcohol as a discreet way to catch a buzz on the road by adding the powder to a sandwich or cup of soda. Without a physical evidence of an open container, detection is limited to specialized testing. This fear is amplified as Palcohol lists an “adult ice cream” as a possible potential use.
As an occupational health and employee screening provider, Mobile Health offers Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) to detect alcohol in an employee’s breath. Also offered is a Blood Alcohol Test to check an employee’s blood for the presence of alcohol. Since Palcohol is still a form of alcohol, both tests will detect use confirming any signs of abuse.
