Crime Scene Novichok—Optical Detection of Fourth-Generation Agents (FGAs) Using Handheld Forensic Light Sources

Author:

Bauer Gerald1ORCID,Wildauer Agnes1,Povoden Günter1,Menzi Benjamin2,Curty Christophe2ORCID

Affiliation:

1. CBRN-Defense Center, Austrian Armed Forces, 2100 Korneuburg, Austria

2. Spiez Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Federal Office for Civil Protection, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland

Abstract

Novichok-like or fourth-generation agents (FGAs) are chemical warfare agents (CWAs) which have been gaining attention since their use in assassination attempts on Sergei Skripal and Alexei Navalny. Due to their physicochemical properties, these substances are difficult to detect by implemented technologies, resulting in massive response efforts if their occurrence is suspected in a civilian environment. In this work, an approach is presented that uses handheld forensic light sources to visually detect surfaces contaminated with Novichok. More than 100 different wavelength combinations were applied to seven substances chosen to represent the newly listed schedule 1 subgroups in the Annex on Chemicals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. One waveband was identified as promising, which allowed the optical detection of all tested substances. Several surfaces, which could be affected in case of a possible attack using novichok-like nerve agents, were also successfully evaluated. The proposed procedure could be implemented for CBRN responders and security agencies to significantly reduce response efforts, thereby diminishing the overall threat posed by this group of chemicals (FGAs). This procedure was also extended to carbamates and CWAs.

Funder

Research and development division of the Austrian federal ministry

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

General Earth and Planetary Sciences,General Environmental Science

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