Spring 2010 Newsletter
Caught Red Handed: Dye Pack Case Study
Spectrum Management, a leader in providing tracking solutions for robbery prevention and apprehension, 
asked Chemir to analyze a dye pack product. They wanted to learn more about the chemical makeup of their product and the effects it might have in different situations.
Dye pack money helps identify money stolen from a bank by staining the bills and the culprit. Spectrum was also was looking into the effects of the chemicals on a person handling the dye pack money during a possible accidental release. Chemir’s major challenge was dis-assembling the dye pack without having it release the chemicals prior to testing.
Through the use of Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometry (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM/EDXA), Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR), and X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) we were able to distinguish the chemical make up.
After the analyses, a toxicological risk assessment was performed. A toxicologist was asked to determine any toxicological effects on the people handling the material in its dormant phase or in case of accidental release.
Spectrum was unaware of the chemicals used by the dye pack supplier in making the dye pack, except for the possibility of an irritant being emitted along with the ink discharge. Using suitable precautions, we used a small enclosed plastic tent (a glove bag), inside a fume hood, and gloves while dissecting the money dye pack. In the process of dissecting the dye pack we discovered three separate materials of interest to be analyzed, a brown pellet, multiple red pellets, and a black strip.
We first analyzed the brown pellet using the SEM/EDXA, which provides an elemental profile of the inorganic materials. FTIR is a complementary technique that provides information about the chemical family for organic types of materials. Comparing the FTIR spectrum to our library database of compounds identified a common ingredient found in tear gas. The insoluble section of the brown pellet was then analyzed and was found to match nitrocellulose, which is more commonly referred to as gun cotton. To confirm our FTIR results, we used a GC/MS. The results not only confirmed the major component, they also revealed trace concentrations of another chemical typically found in tear gas among other identified materials. Finally for the brown pellet, the XRD analysis once again confirmed the major component at high concentrations and few trace components at low levels.
After identifying the components of the brown pellet, we focused on the red pellets in which we used similar techniques and instrumentation. The SEM/EDXA identified the major inorganic elemental composition. The FTIR spectrum confirmed a match with a common red dye. Through the use of GC/MS and H-NMR it determined that the red dye was the major organic portion of the red pellet.
The final piece of the dye pack to be analyzed was the black strip. Using HATR FTIR the piece was analyzed and confirmed the presence of nitrocellulose, which we found previously as a component of the brown pellet.
After the analyses had been concluded, we consulted with a toxicologist to determine the effects of the chemicals in stable form and when released. The toxicologist concluded that in the correct packaging the dye pack has little if any exposure and is of no toxicological risk to anybody handling the product. Additionally, the toxicologist concluded when the product was released as intended, as in during a robbery, the product will produce health hazards of mild to severe irritation to the eyes, mucous membrane, and respiratory tract. The product when released should emit an aerosol dye and tear gas that should cause lachrymation and as well as staining of the clothes and hands of the culprit.
However if there was an accidental release of the product while being handled, the effects could be very detrimental to the person handling the product and anyone in close proximity. First, the combustion of the dye pack would produce temperatures up to 400 C, which may produce third degree burns. Then severe harm can occur to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, possibly causing irreversible damage to the respiratory tract. If this were to happen effects may cause an inability to breath and immediate medical attention would be needed.
From the results we found the following symptoms are caused by the following chemicals:
Symptoms |
Pieces Containing Related Chemicals |
Irritation to the Eyes, Skin, and Respiratory Tract |
Red Pellet Brown Pellet Black Strip |
Eye Irritant, Tear Generation |
Brown Pellet |
Skin Irritation and Staining |
Red Pellet |
No Toxicological Effect |
Brown Pellet |
As a result of the findings, Spectrum Management has implemented a safety training course for the handling of their product to prevent accidental release of the dye pack.
Spectrum Management
2545 Tarpley Road
Carrollton, TX 75006
(469) 574-2000
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