Abstract
Radiocabon dating is accurate if the origin of the dated carbon has been verified after a decontamination process. Chemical decontamination process are suited to remove humic acids and carbonates, the main contaminants of sediments in open air sites. That is not true for the removal of components generated by the decay of bacterial or animal material as it occurs in caves. To verify the origin of dated carbon is therefore indispensable. As carbon contaminants and charcoal usually present similar chemical structures, their identification and separation are difficult to achieve, and sometimes even impossible, using a chemical process. It is our opinion that only one process can assert the origin of carbon: Mesure its concentration in stable isotope 13. We have underlined this (Jouve, 2013) and following new measurements we now precise some important points and examin the dating of samples from the wall of engravings (Muro de los Grabados) in the Candamo cave (Spain).
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