ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

The Use of Individual Extracted Ion Profiles Versus Summed Extracted Ion Profiles in Fire Debris Analysis
Gilbert, MW
Forensic chemist, Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory, FL

(Received 17 June 1997; accepted 5 December 1997)

Abstract

Mass spectrometry has become commonplace in the area of forensic fire debris analysis. The use of extracted ion chromatography can assist the fire debris analyst in distinguishing an ignitable liquid from interference due to pyrolysis or other contaminants. Often the individual extracted ion chromatograms are added together to give a profile of a specific class of compounds. Occasionally, the summed ion profile is still too complex to allow the identification of an ignitable liquid. In these instances, the individual ion profiles can be of better use. An example of the use of individual ion profiles versus summed ion profiles to identify an ignitable liquid in an actual case is presented.

Keywords:
forensic science, arson, fire debris, mass spectrometry

Paper ID: JFS14320J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14320J
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