Scholarly record
DETECTION OF ACCELERANTS IN FIRE DEBRIS USING A PORTABLE GAS CHROMATOGRAPH-MASS SPECTROMETER
Abstract
Analyzing fire debris is essential for identifying accelerants that may indicate arson. Detecting fire residues remains a significant analytical challenge due to the complexity of burned materials, the volatilization of key compounds, and the interference of pyrolysis byproducts. However, chromatographic separation techniques and mass spectral selectivity advancements provide promising avenues for improving detection accuracy and reliability. Recent developments in portable Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) systems have enhanced analytical capabilities, allowing on-site identification of accelerants with high sensitivity and selectivity. The identification of flammable liquid residues at the scene of a fire can constitute significant evidence to determine whether the fire was intentionally set. This study employed a portable Torion-type gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer to detect and analyze flammable substances potentially involved in fire ignition. Four common accelerants - propylene, ethanol, acetone, and methanol - were examined using cotton substrates. After optimizing the analytical method, the substrates were incinerated and subsequently treated with the same flammable liquids to evaluate the performance and reliability of the detection technique. The findings confirm that portable GC-MS can efficiently identify accelerant residues at fire scenes. The research contributes to the ongoing refinement of methods for accelerant detection techniques, supporting both scientific advancements and practical applications in fire analysis.
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References11
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