Tracing of the Chemical Signatures of Various Flammable Liquids from Common Crime Scene Substrates
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This study employs Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect and differentiate ignitable liquid residues (ILRs) and pyrolysis products (PyPs) in fire debris samples, in accordance with the ASTM E1618-06 standard method. Accurate identification of ILRs is critical in fire investigations to determine whether accelerants were used. This can aid in distinguishing accidental fires from intentional fires. Hence, GC-MS analysis was conducted on fire debris collected from common household furnishing materials (substrates) to assess the influence of substrate interference on ILR detection. The results demonstrated that the recovery and identification of ILRs are influenced by their boiling point range and their degree of retention within the substrate matrix. Out of the 19 fire debris samples analyzed, ignitable liquid residues (ILRs) were successfully detected in 15. While, PyPs, often a source of analytical interference, were distinguished based on their characteristic chromatographic patterns. They were detected in 8 substrates. However, neither ILRs nor PyPs were found in 4 substrates. This study emphasizes the importance of robust analytical protocols to distinguish ILRs from pyrolysis compounds, especially in complex matrices. The findings contribute valuable insights towards improving the reliability and accuracy of fire debris analysis, thereby enhancing forensic fire investigations.
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