Accumulation of explosives in hair
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
1-1-2005
Abstract
The sorption of explosives (TNT, RDX, PETN, TATP, EGDN) to hair during exposure to their vapors is examined. Three colors of hair were simultaneously exposed to explosive vapor. Following exposure of hair, the sorbed explosive was removed by extraction with acetonitrile and quantified. Results show that sorption of explosives, via vapor diffusion, to black hair is significantly greater than to blond, brown or bleached hair. Furthermore, the rate of sorption is directly related to the vapor density of the explosive: EGDN > TATP ⋙ TNT ≫ PETN > RDX. In some cases, the explosive-containing hair was subject to repeated washings with sodium dodecylsulfate or simply left out in an open area to determine the persistence of the explosive contamination. While explosive is removed from hair with time or washing, some persists. These results indicate that hair can be a useful indicator of explosive exposure/handling. Copyright © 2005 by ASTM International.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences
Volume
50
Issue
4
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Oxley, Jimmie C., James L. Smith, Louis J. Kirschenbaum, Kajal P. Shinde, and Suvarna Marimganti. "Accumulation of explosives in hair." Journal of Forensic Sciences 50, 4 (2005): 826-831. doi: 10.1520/jfs2004545.