ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 22

The Petroleum-Laced Background
Cherry, C
Forensic scientist, Michigan State Police Forensic Laboratory, MI

Dolan, JA
Forensic supervisor, Virginia Division of Forensic Science, VA

Lentini, JJ
Director, Fire Laboratory, Applied Technical Services, Inc., GA

(Received 16 July 1999; accepted 22 November 1999)

Abstract

Using passive headspace concentration (ASTM E-1412) and gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis as described in ASTM E-1618, the authors have studied the volatile components detectable in several kinds of otherwise uncontaminated substrata, including clothing, shoes, household products, building materials, paper products, cardboard, and adhesives. Due to the use of petroleum-derived liquids in the manufacture of these materials, it is frequently possible to detect the liquids, even when the products are several years old. These results point out the need for the use of comparison samples whenever possible.

Keywords:
forensic science, criminalistics, fire debris, gas chromatographic analysis, mass spectrometry, petroleum solvents, comparison samples

Paper ID: JFS14819J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14819J
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