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Forensic Toxicology

Open Access 22-02-2024 | Capsaicin | Original Article

Rapid screening of riot control agents using DART-TD-HRMS

Authors: Lina Mörén, Anders Östin, Andreas Larsson, Julia Forsberg, Daniel Wiktelius, Pernilla Lindén

Published in: Forensic Toxicology

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Abstract

Purpose

Riot Control Agents (RCAs) are chemicals used in law enforcement for non-lethal riot control and use in conflicts between states that violates the Chemical Weapons Convention. OPCW's Scientific Advisory Board has identified sixteen potential RCAs including capsaicinoids, CS, and CR. RCAs may be misused for criminal purposes, so methods for detecting such misuse are needed. This study therefore evaluates the feasibility of a rapid, high throughput screening method of RCAs on surfaces (particularly clothing surfaces) by Direct Analysis in Real Time with a thermal desorption unit coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (DART-TD-HRMS).

Methods

A broadly applicable method for detecting potential RCAs was developed and tested on cotton fabric samples sprayed with self-defence sprays from an in-house reference stock. The feasibility of detecting RCAs by direct analysis of surface wipe samples placed in the DART source was also investigated.

Results

The method detected all sixteen RCAs and contaminated clothing were successfully screened for active agents in a reference collection of self-defence sprays. A pilot study also showed that RCAs can be detected by holding a sample directly in front of the DART source.

Conclusion

DART-TD-HRMS enables rapid and simple screening of RCAs on fabric samples enabling a high sample throughput.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Rapid screening of riot control agents using DART-TD-HRMS
Authors
Lina Mörén
Anders Östin
Andreas Larsson
Julia Forsberg
Daniel Wiktelius
Pernilla Lindén
Publication date
22-02-2024
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
Published in
Forensic Toxicology
Print ISSN: 1860-8965
Electronic ISSN: 1860-8973
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-024-00681-5