The Effects of Household Corrosive Chemicals on Human Dentition

    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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