Evaluation of Cross‐contamination of Nylon Bags with Heavy‐loaded Gasoline Fire Debris and with Automotive Paint Thinner |
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| Authors: | Filipa Belchior M.Sc. Stephen P. Andrews M.Sc. |
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| Affiliation: | School of Forensic and Applied Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, U.K |
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| Abstract: | Nylon bags are used for packaging fire debris in several countries, particularly in Europe. The possibility of cross‐contamination during transport from the fire scene to the laboratory, in normal casework conditions in the U.K., was studied for two brands of nylon bags, using simulated heavy‐loaded fire debris. Three experiments were carried out with each brand, using as sample a piece of cotton fabric soaked with gasoline. One experiment was carried out using automotive paint thinner (oxygenated solvent). Each sample was sealed in a nylon bag and stored in contact with eight empty bags. The empty bags were analysed at regular intervals for a period of time up to 8 weeks, using SPME and GC/MS. Cross‐contamination was found for components of gasoline (toluene and C2‐alkylbenzenes) in the two brands of nylon bags used, after 4 days and 2 weeks. Cross‐contamination using automotive topcoat thinner was detected after 2 days. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science fire debris nylon bag evidence container packaging contamination |
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