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There are many factors that may affect the longevity of or guide the use of canine training aids. Literature to date has mainly focused on identifying the headspace volatiles associated with training aids or odors and only minimal research exists into how different variables may alter those volatiles. The current study examines several factors affecting canine training aids: humidity, air flow, transportation, and operational deployment, using the triacetone triperoxide polymer odor capture-and-release canine training aid (TATP POCR) as the target. The TATP POCR is an absorption-based canine training aid developed to be used to safely train canines to detect the odor of the explosive TATP in operational settings. Comparisons of the TATP POCR to neat TATP are made throughout the manuscript. First, humidity increased the background components of the POCR matrix, as well as the amount of TATP recovered was above the POCR. Humidity thus affected the amount of TATP detected but did not prevent detection. Second, air flow lessened the lifetime of the TATP POCR. Third, the practice of using primary and secondary containment successfully prevented contamination, cross-contamination, and significant target loss, thereby maintaining kit integrity. Finally, the absorption of background odors from training environments was not observed. TATP headspace concentrations between a Deployed and Control POCR kit were not significantly different at time 0 (i.e., upon opening), which suggests that the operational use does not affect the function of the TATP POCR system. This information provides pivotal evidence for explosives detection canine handlers or trainers who utilize the TATP POCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of canine training aids is a pervasive issue that may lead to incorrect canine discrimination of target odors. It is therefore important to properly store training materials to maintain their integrity and efficiency. First, this study demonstrated the potential for contamination using GloGerm™ as a proxy for odor/particulate transfer. Then, eight types of containers were evaluated to determine (1) the ability to prevent odor permeation and (2) the likelihood of maintaining the ab/adsorbed odor. Lastly, a longitudinal study evaluated how the permeation of the target odor changed over time. Analysis occurred using a direct analysis in real‐time mass spectrometer (DART‐MS) to detect triacetone triperoxide (TATP) from the non‐hazardous canine training aid known as the polymer odor capture‐and‐release (POCR) system. Results showed that Mylar and Opsak bags were most effective for short‐term storage, maintaining low levels of ab/adsorption. Over time, the amount of TATP permeating through the primary containers and collecting in a secondary container (i.e., outer packaging) increased at 1 week and decreased thereafter (up to 4 months). The amount of TATP collecting in the primary containers, however, increased up to 1 month and decreased thereafter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally accepted in the canine detection industry that a barrier (such as a glove) should be used between a human and evidence or canine training aids in order to prevent contamination and cross‐contamination as well as protect the handler from hazardous materials. However, no studies exist evaluating this assumption. Further, there is no published literature examining the different types of gloves for their utility in handling evidence or training materials used in canine detection work. This study was the first of its kind to address these gaps in the literature. First, GloGerm™ was used as a proxy for human scent and odor(s)/particulate(s) to visualize potential contamination. Then, three types of gloves (nitrile, two layers of nitrile, latex, and polyethylene) were tested for the permeation of human scent using furfural as a proof of concept, followed by pooled human sweat. Finally, the inherent odor of each glove type was identified. Two analytical techniques were used simultaneously as static and standoff dynamic detection systems, respectively: solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS) and direct analysis in real time‐mass spectrometry (DART‐MS). Using a double layer of nitrile gloves was the most effective in preventing furfural permeation from the analytical standard, while a single layer of nitrile prevented furfural from permeating from human sweat up to 2 h. Polyethylene gloves allowed the highest amount of furfural permeation but had no inherent odor detected. Headspace analysis detected two compounds for nitrile gloves and four compounds for latex gloves, but the nitrile compounds had a higher relative abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]