NCJ Number
116104
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 28 Issue: 5-6 Dated: (1988) Pages: 299-309
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Common floor coverings were exposed to a realistic fire environment to determine the difficulty of identifying the nature and ingredients involved a particular fire.
Abstract
The research sought to determine whether volatile products occur in the debris of common combustibles when no petroleum distillate accelerant has been used and whether these products interfere with the identification of the accelerant when one has been used. The research used carpet, synthetic turf, vinyl flooring, and underlay pads in a room. Samples of the floor coverings were recovered immediately after the fire was extinguished. The samples underwent laboratory testing using heated head space and charcoal trap-carbon disulfide extraction. Results revealed that polyethylene/polypropylene synthetic turf and polyurethane padding presented a significant volatile signature. The second test involved the use of three common petroleum products in the burning of the floor coverings. Results revealed that none of the floor coverings presented significant interference to the identification of these accelerants in the debris; however, they generated volatiles that might be mistaken for synthetic blends or specialist solvents. Findings indicated the desirability of analysis on two different gas chromatographic columns when floor coverings are present in fire debris. In addition, forensic examiners must consider the circumstances of the scene to aid in identification. Figures, tables, and 4 references (Author abstract modified)