Accelerants are flammable liquids used to start fires, and they are typically detected by trained human investigators using specialized equipment, such as:
* Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS): This technique separates and identifies the different chemicals present in a sample.
* Headspace analysis: This method involves heating a sample and analyzing the vapors that are released.
* Portable hydrocarbon detectors: These devices can detect the presence of hydrocarbons, which are common components of accelerants.
Dogs are primarily used in law enforcement for scent detection and are typically trained to detect:
* Explosives
* Drugs
* Missing persons
While dogs have a keen sense of smell, they are not specifically trained to detect the subtle scents associated with accelerants. The use of highly sensitive and specialized equipment is necessary for the accurate identification of these substances.