Title

The Effects of Household Corrosive Chemicals on Human Dentition

Authors

Authors

D. J. Cope;T. L. Dupras

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Forensic Sci.

Keywords

forensic science; forensic anthropology; caustics; acids; masking; identity; dentition; teeth; SMEAR LAYER; COMPLICATIONS; CONTACT; REMOVAL; EROSION; ACID; Medicine, Legal

Abstract

There is a gap in the literature concerning the chemical effects that household products may produce on human remains. The present study examines the effects of household chemical products on teeth. A total of eight chemicals were utilized for this experiment. The corrosive chemical categories include: hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and sodium hydroxide. Two products with each chemical were used, each representing varying concentrations of the corrosive product. Two human teeth were allocated for emergence in the chemical throughout a 24-h period of exposure. Results demonstrate hydrochloric acid as the most detrimental chemical to the dental samples. Sulfuric acid enacted minimal alterations to the teeth, although some etching and discoloration were noticeable. Phosphoric acid resulted in variable changes of the organic and inorganic contents of teeth. Lastly, exposure of sodium hydroxide resulted in little to no change. As hypothesized, distinct effects are observable of each chemical.

Journal Title

Journal of Forensic Sciences

Volume

54

Issue/Number

6

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

1238

Last Page

1246

WOS Identifier

WOS:000271058400006

ISSN

0022-1198

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