Analysis of non-hazardous canine training aids for triacetone triperoxide (TATP)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the headspace of non-hazardous canine training aids for triacetone triperoxide (TATP) that are currently available either for purchase or developed by a United States government entity. A total of eight training aids were analyzed using solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC–MS) to qualitatively identify the volatile compounds present in relative quantities over time until the depletion of TATP. At Time 0, ScentLogix™ had the highest relative abundance (211.2 ± 13.1 analyte/external standard (A/E)). While the SOKKS® aid contained no TATP, the aid with the lowest relative abundance at Time 0 was TOIDS (5.4 ± 0.7 A/E). As expected based on the abundance results, ScentLogix™ lasted the longest (at least 45 weeks) and TOIDS lasted the shortest period of time (2 days). However, ScentLogix™ also had the highest number of headspace components (acetone, diacetone alcohol, diacetone diperoxide, and TATP). Four of the tested training aids contained only TATP in the headspace: Odor Print, TOIDS, Getxent, and TATP POCR. Only four of the aids provided blanks (Getxent, TrueScent®, TA-SPOT®, and POCR), with the Getxent blank resulting in the lowest matrix odor. The manuscript concludes with a discussion of several considerations related to non-hazardous canine training aid selection, including the use of blanks, cost, storage, purity, and longevity.