Preliminary investigation into the recovery of explosives from hair
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
1-1-2002
Abstract
Sampling of hair has proved to be a useful non-invasive method for detecting illicit drugs. This study examined the viability of hair as a surface from which explosive traces can be recovered and showed that as little as one-hour vapour exposure can result in measurable traces of explosives. Contamination of the hair may result from direct contact with explosive particles or from secondary contact by hand. Also the paper demonstrates that hair can concentrate explosive from the ambient vapour of a variety of military explosives. It was found that the amount of TNT picked up by the hair increased with time of vapour exposure. The data also suggested that unwashed hair may pick up more TNT than washed hair. © The Forensic Science Society 2002.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Science and Justice - Journal of the Forensic Science Society
Volume
42
Issue
3
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Sanders, K. P., M. Marshall, J. C. Oxley, J. L. Smith, and L. Egee. "Preliminary investigation into the recovery of explosives from hair." Science and Justice - Journal of the Forensic Science Society 42, 3 (2002): 137-142. doi: 10.1016/S1355-0306(02)71818-2.