Detection of accelerant products in motor vehicle arson : background study and interpretation of positive results
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2009
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The significance of the presence of petrol in motor vehicle fires has been challenged due
to the possibility of a natural occurrence of petrol residues inside the vehicle. This
study was undertaken to investigate the background levels of petrol on carpet in motor
vehicles, and the potential transfer and persistence of petrol onto vehicle carpets through
the 'normal' usage of motor vehicles.
The research was conducted via three studies: transfer and persistence studies were
conducted to determine the transfer, evaporation and persistence of unleaded petrol on
carpet; a known history study was conducted by the insertion of carpet mats into
vehicles, for up to six months, with subsequent analysis for the presence of petrol; an
unknown history study was conducted via the analysis of 300 carpet or carpet mat
samples from vehicles, both before and after burning.
The results indicate that: small volumes of petrol are unlikely to be detected on carpet
after 24 hours, and; only a small proportion of motor vehicles will exhibit the presence
of petrol. in their original state, and then as evaporated petrol. None of the satnples
were found to contain petrol after burning.
These results demonstrate the significance of finding a large volume of fresh or slightly
evaporated petrol on car carpet. As only trace levels are generally found without good
reason, this may indicate the intentional addition of petrol to the vehicle interior.
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