Illuminating the health and safety of luminol.
Luminol is a reagent that is used to enhance areas of non-visible bloodstaining and it is one of the most sensitive of such reagents available to the forensic scientist. However, its use, particularly within the UK and some other European countries, has been limited, predominantly due to concerns about the health and safety of the reagent. This paper reviews the literature currently available regarding the health and safety of luminol, and in the authors' view demonstrates that there are no significant health and safety concerns with the preparation of luminol solution and its application at the crime scene or in the laboratory, providing suitable precautions are taken.
Larkin
Tony
T
Metropolitan Police Service, Specialist Evidence Recovery and Imaging Service, 2-16 Amelia Street, London. SE1 7 3P, UK. anthony.larkin@met.police.uk
Gannicliffe
Chris
C
D001801:Blood Stains; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents / Q000633:toxicity*; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000379:methods*; D008165:Luminol / Q000633:toxicity*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008165:Luminol