Limits in arson debris analysis by capillary column gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Sample enrichment technology and instrumental sensitivity are no longer limiting factors in arson debris analysis. When pyrolyzed, petroleum based composite materials may produce artifacts. Urban air is another major source of interference since some of the components typically found in air, in particular alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons, are customarily used as indicators for the presence of gasoline. It is suggested to replace qualitative analysis with a quantitative approach, taking the sample matrix into consideration.