Centro de Documentação da PJ
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38693
38693
38693

Avissar, Yaniv Y.
Forensic examination of fire accelerants in waterproofing bitumen sheets / Yaniv Y. Avissar
Journal of Forensic Identification, Vol.75, n. 4 (January-March 2025), p. 103-127
CD 372.

INCÊNDIO, PRODUTO INFLAMÁVEL, QUÍMICA FORENSE, ANÁLISE LABORATORIAL

Bitumen, also known as asphalt, are a form of petroleum and are used mainly in waterproofing. Analysis of samples of bitumen sheets in Arson investigations could lead to incorrect interpretations. The importance of data interpretation in arson case investigation is discussed in this work. As no similar studies were found in the literature, several properties of bitumen sheets were studied. Background tests of ten different types of bitumen sheet samples showed presence of flammables compounds at intensities lower than the laboratory’s threshold for accelerant identification. Additionally, the findings from bitumen sheets subjected to diesel or gasoline highlighted the differences between bitumen and inert media. Results indicate fuel that had been in contact with the sheets was still detectable 24 hours after exposure. In addition, no changes were found in the composition of accelerants applied to bitumen media, contrary to what investigators expect to find in residue analyses in arson cases.