CONTACT US: Contact info
|
Citation |
Lang T, Dixon BM. J. Can. Soc. Forensic Sci. 2000; 33(2): 55-60. |
|
Copyright |
(Copyright © 2000, Canadian Society of Forensic Science, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group) |
|
DOI |
|
PMID |
unavailable |
|
Abstract |
Two experiments were conducted to examine the possibility of fire scene contamination by the use of gasoline powered positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans for fire suppression under optimized operating conditions. Clean pieces of wet and dry fabric were suspended in an uncontaminated structure at various distances from the front door. A properly tuned gasoline PPV fan was placed as recommended outside the door. Fabric samples were collected from interior locations at intervals of fifteen, thirty, and forty-five minutes after the fan was started. Headspace gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were performed on all samples to determine if gasoline could be detected. A trace quantity of gasoline vapour was identified in the heated headspace analysis from three of the thirty-nine samples from both experiments in no predictable pattern with respect to time, location, or substrate type (i.e. wet vs. dry). Since these data reflect a best case scenario for PPV fan operation, it is possible that variations in fan placement, operating conditions, and re-fueling practices could impact the level of gasoline which might be detected by the laboratory. It is essential, therefore, that the use of PPV fans be documented by the fire investigator and communicated to the laboratory personnel. |