NCJ Number
195245
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2002 Pages: 267-274
Date Published
2002
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This research examined the effects of a Micelle Encapsulator Fire Suppression Agent (F-500, Hazard Control Technologies, Inc., Fayetteville, GA) on the routine analysis of fire debris samples by gas chromatography (GC).
Abstract
It is well recognized in the field of fire investigation that suppression and the suppression agents used by the fire service may affect the subsequent fire-scene investigation and the associated laboratory analysis. Although widespread use of water in fire suppression does not adversely affect typical fire debris analytical schemes, most recently a product called F-500, described as a Micelle Encapsulator Fire Suppression Agent, has been finding use in Ontario due to its claims of overall speed and effectiveness of suppression as well as its cooling properties, low toxicity, and ability to reduce the likelihood of re-ignition. This study was undertaken to determine whether the use of F-500 as a suppression agent would result in a decrease of ignitable liquid vapors from fire debris samples, and whether it would interfere with the associated ignitable liquid patterns. Laboratory tests were performed to determine whether or not the product had any effect on the analysis for ignitable liquids by GC, particularly for gasoline, medium petroleum distillates, and heavy petroleum distillates. Test burns were suppressed by using either the Micelle Encapsulator or water, and samples collected from these burns were analyzed. Results showed that use of the Micelle Encapsulator at a fire scene may affect the chromatographic data obtained from samples collected by the investigator; however, the effect does not prevent the identification of common ignitable liquids in fire debris samples. 1 table, 4 figures, and 9 references