Analysis of non-hazardous canine training aids for triacetone triperoxide (TATP)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the headspace of non-hazardous canine training aids for triacetone triperoxide (TATP) that are currently available either for purchase or developed by a United States government entity. A total of eight training aids were analyzed using solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) to qualitatively identify the volatile compounds present in relative quantities over time until the depletion of TATP. At Time 0, ScentLogix (TM) had the highest relative abundance (211.2 +/- 13.1 analyte/external standard (A/E)). While the SOKKS (R) aid contained no TATP, the aid with the lowest relative abundance at Time 0 was TOIDS (5.4 +/- 0.7 A/E). As expected based on the abundance results, ScentLogix (TM) lasted the longest (at least 45 weeks) and TOIDS lasted the shortest period of time (2 days). However, ScentLogix (TM) also had the highest number of headspace components (acetone, diacetone alcohol, diacetone diperoxide, and TATP). Four of the tested training aids contained only TATP in the headspace: Odor Print, TOIDS, Getxent, and TATP POCR. Only four of the aids provided blanks (Getxent, TrueScent (R), TA-SPOT (R), and POCR), with the Getxent blank resulting in the lowest matrix odor. The manuscript concludes with a discussion of several considerations related to non-hazardous canine training aid selection, including the use of blanks, cost, storage, purity, and longevity.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the headspace composition of non-hazardous canine training aids for TATP. The results showed that certain aids had higher initial abundance of TATP and longer longevity. Some aids contained TATP exclusively, while others had additional volatile compounds. The study also discussed several factors to consider when selecting non-hazardous training aids for canines.