ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 March 2002
Page Count: 8

A Study of the Effects of a Micelle Encapsulator Fire Suppression Agent on Dynamic Headspace Analysis of Fire Debris Samples
McGee, E
Forensic Technologist and Forensic Scientist, The Centre of Forensic Sciences, Ontario

Lang, TL
Forensic Technologist and Forensic Scientist, The Centre of Forensic Sciences, Ontario

(Received 13 August 2001; accepted 18 July 2001)

Abstract

The effects of a Micelle Encapsulator Fire Suppression Agent (F-500, Hazard Control Technologies Inc., Fayetteville, Georgia) on the routine analysis of fire debris samples by Gas Chromatography (GC) were studied. When mixed with water the product can be used in the suppression of Class A and Class B fires. Laboratory tests were performed to determine whether or not the product has any effect on the analysis for ignitable liquids by GC, in particular for gasoline, medium petroleum distillates, and heavy petroleum distillates. Test burns were suppressed using either the micelle encapsulator or water and samples collected from these burns were analyzed. The results of analysis show that use of the micelle encapsulator at a fire scene may affect the chromatographic data obtained from samples collected by the investigator. However, the effect does not prevent the identification of common ignitable liquids in fire debris samples.

Keywords:
forensic science, fire debris, ignitable liquids, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, fire suppression agent, F-500, micelle encapsulator

Paper ID: JFS15243J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15243J
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