SummaryA method ist described that permits direct comparison of ion chromatograms between an isolate from a suspect fire debris sample and corresponding accelerant profiles. The system is highly automated and produces a diagnostic one page summary report for each sample. Side by side comparison of ion profiles is carried out between 4 common fuel types, e.g. gasoline, naphthenic type charcoal lighter fluid, mineral spirits, and kerosene, and the sample. Both qualitative and semiquantitative information is available. An on-line search can also be carried out in which mass spectra are compared between components in a suspect sample and standards that are contained in an accelerant library. The system is flexible and requires only minimal interaction with the analyst.
SummarySample enrichment technology and instrumental sensitivity are no longer limiting factors in arson debris analysis. When pyrolyzed, petroleum based composite materials may produce artifacts. Urban air is another major source of interference since some of the components typically found in air, in particular alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons, are customarily used as indicators for the presence of gasoline. It is suggested to replace qualitative analysis with a quantitative approach, taking the sample matrix into consideration.
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