title: Use of a non-volatile agent to stabilize severely incinerated dental remains.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to identify volatile-free products that would be suitable for stabilizing incinerated dental remains at the scene of an incident, and that would not compromise any postmortem examination.
  
  
  METHODS
  The anterior mandibles of sheep were incinerated, sprayed unilaterally with stabilizing agents, vibrated for 30 s, and assessed. The effect of the stabilizing solutions on radiographic examination was also recorded. Tests for volatility and the effect on human mandibles were also conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A flour/water mixture of one part flour to two parts water, and a paste mixture of one part Clag™ glue to one part water both produced significant stabilization results. The flour mixture left an opaque layer on the samples that it was applied to, which still allowed dental examination, but the glue paste mixture resulted in a clearer layer. Both solutions allowed radiographic examination and were free of volatiles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diluted Clag™ paste, when sprayed on to incinerated remains, assists in their stabilization for transportation. When Clag™ paste is unavailable a mixture of two parts water to one part plain flour could be utilized for stabilization.
authors.affiliation: Forensic Odontology Unit, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia, johnberketa@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Berketa
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Langlois
authors.forename: Lindsay
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pigou
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002056:Burns; D005079:Excipients; D005390:Fires; D005553:Forensic Dentistry / Q000379:methods*; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D023421:Models, Animal; D011859:Radiography; D012756:Sheep
chemical_list: D005079:Excipients