Explosive detecting canines must be trained on explosive compounds that are minimally contaminated with other explosive odors. However, there are various storage methods in use by canine handlers including plastic and cloth bags which can lead to cross-contamination between training aids during storage. Odor permeable membrane devices (OPMDs) allow for the volatile compounds of the training aids to be released while helping to prevent contaminates from entering the device via a membrane. A study was performed to determine if OPMDs decrease cross-contamination between training aids in comparison to plastic and cloth bags. Fourteen training aids were stored individually inside of a plastic or cloth bag or inside of an OPMD. A set of each storage type was stored at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis to act as the control and a set was stored at an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department location and were actively utilized as canine training aids. A sample from each storage type at both locations was collected at 0, 3, 6, and 9 months and analyzed using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) with Solid-Phase Microextraction. Cross-contamination from ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) and/or 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMNB) was evident across almost all samples regardless of the storage method. Time 0 had the highest levels of contamination, indicating that training aids are contaminated during manufacturing. The cross-contamination of explosive canine training aids stored in OPMDs was further evaluated by placing a sample of dynamite in an OPMD and placing it inside of an explosive magazine along with an empty OPMD. An activated charcoal strip (ACS) was placed inside of the empty OPMD as well as inside of the magazine to determine the amount of EGDN that was released from dynamite. The ACS from the magazine was contaminated with EGDN, however, the strip in the empty OPMD was free of contamination demonstrating the efficacy of the OPMD.

Prevention of cross-contamination of explosives contained within an odor permeable membrane device

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