Chemical characterization of fingerprints from adults and children
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
- Knoxville Police Dept., TN (United States)
Observation that children`s fingerprints disappear from surfaces more quickly than adults`, initiated a study to characterize the chemical components in fingerprints. Samples were obtained from about 50 individuals ranging in age from 3 to 64 by extracting chemicals from the fingertips using rubbing alcohol. Using combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, a wide range of compounds were identified. Samples from children contained higher levels of relatively volatile free fatty acids, while those from adults had higher levels of less volatile long chain esters of fatty acids. These esters are thought to originate from sebaceous glands located on the face and levels of these compounds increase substantially after puberty. Also, other compounds were observed that could be used to develop improved methods for fingerprint detection at a crime scene. Further, observation of specific compounds raises the possibility of being able to identify personal traits (gender, habits, diseases, etc. ) via analysis of components in fingerprints and/or skin.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-96OR22464
- OSTI ID:
- 443195
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961113-14; ON: DE97001369
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Photonics East `96: International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE) conference and exhibition on photonic sensors and controls for commercial applications, Boston, MA (United States), 19-21 Nov 1996; Other Information: PBD: [1996]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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