NCJ Number
142935
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 43 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1993) Pages: 226-233
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the methodology and results of tests of a replacement for Freon 113 in the processing of paper products for latent fingerprints.
Abstract
Freon 113 (CFC-113 or trichlorotrifluoroethane) is a solvent commonly used for degreasing and cleaning and has been used in latent fingerprint processing techniques. CFC- 113, however, has been linked to damage of the Earth's protective ozone layer. In January 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that a panel of 230 industrial and government researchers had identified Genesolv 2010 and the liquid 2020, the trade name for a mix of HCFC-123 and HCFC-141b, as a CFC-113 substitute that performs as well or better but poses less environmental threat. On June 21, 1991, however, Allied-Signal, Inc., notified their Genesolv customers of new significant toxicological information regarding HCFC-123, stating that relatively large exposure levels had proved harmful to laboratory animals. A subsequent product, Genesolv 2000, was developed as a noncarcinogen. The tests reported in this article show that Genesolv 2000 is an acceptable replacement for Genesolv 2020 as well as for Freon 113 as a carrier for the reagents used in the development of latent fingerprints, provided the evidence does not have handwriting for possible examination. This article advises that although evidence-processing procedures for latent fingerprints probably do not use enough Freon 113 to have a large impact on the ozone layer, forensic examiners should do their part to help the environment. 3 references and a 10-item bibliography