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Gas residues of engine starting fluid in postmortem sample from an arsonist
1Department of Forensic Chemistry, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Engine starting fluid, containing diethyl ether and paraffins, was detected in a fire victim. This highlights the importance of testing postmortem samples for volatile arson accelerants.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Chemical Analysis
Background:
- Investigating fire fatalities requires identifying potential accelerants.
- Postmortem analysis of volatile compounds is crucial in arson cases.
Observation:
- Diethyl ether and low-boiling paraffins were identified in biological samples (blood, urine, lung) of a fire victim.
- The presence of these compounds suggested exposure to engine starting fluid.
Findings:
- The victim intentionally used engine starting fluid as an accelerant.
- The detected volatile residues confirmed the source of the fire.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of analyzing volatile residues in postmortem samples.
- Forensic toxicologists should consider engine starting fluid as a potential accelerant in fire investigations.