FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY

NAME: DOMINGO, CATHERINE M. DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2022

STUDENT NO.: 2020101489 SECTION: BSC3B

LABORATORY ACTIVITY #6
ULTRAVIOLET EXAMINATION

In this activity, the students will learn the application of ultraviolet examination in a
police operation.

Ultraviolet (UV) examination uses the concept of fluorescence. When a substance

absorbs energy in the form of light, it emits a visible color until the exposure ceases. This is
better viewed under darkness or low-level lighting conditions.

Generally, this examination is used for entrapment operations. UV powder is designed

and utilized for identification and detection. A money-bill is dusted with a UV powder. Once
touched, it will readily be transferred to a person’s hands and fingers.

I. Objective: To be able to understand the applications and limitations of ultraviolet

examination.

II. Materials:

ultraviolet powder long white mailing envelope

ultraviolet light bond paper with hand model
small paint brush money bills (old and new)

III. Instructions:

1. Apply ultraviolet powder on the money bills using a small paint brush.
2. Place the dusted money bills in a long white mailing envelope.
3. Hold the money bills (unfolded, folded and rolled).
4. In a dark area, use an ultraviolet light to see the presence of the ultraviolet powder.
5. Note the color change and location of the ultraviolet powder on a hand model using an
“X” mark.

IV. Illustrations: Use the hand model to show the location of the ultraviolet powder after
holding the dusted money bills and viewing under the ultraviolet light inside a dark area.
(Use another sheet)
V. Observations: Indicate whether the UV powder is visible or invisible.

Reference: Cejes and Libres-Etis (2014). Laboratory Manual for Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology First Edition. ChapterHouse Publishing
Incorporated, Novaliches, Quezon City.
http://resources.culturalheritate.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2015/02/osg009-11.pdf
https://www.gloeffex.com/products/invisible-uv-theft-detection-powder
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY

CONDITIONS OLD MONEY BILL NEW MONEY BILL

unfolded money bill
folded money bill
rolled money bill
wet hands
hand shake

VI. Questions:

1. What is an entrapment operation?

 An entrapment operation is a valid way of apprehending perpetrators of sale of
illegal drugs. Upon the consummation of the sale, the entrapment team is
authorized to immediately arrest the seller of illegal drugs.
2. Where can you find the UV powder?
 Ultraviolet Detection Powder is designed for thief detection and the identification
of stolen or altered items. An article can be marked so that it is invisible to the
eye, but under ultraviolet light the item and anyone who touched it can be
identified. This powder has a very intense glow for easy detection.
3. Can this UV powder be easily removed from the hands of a person (yes or no)?
4. What color change do you observe when viewing the ultraviolet powder under normal
condition and upon using ultraviolet light?
 Photochromic change from clear when indoors to color when outdoors.
Specifically, Photochromic change color in response to UV light, usually from the
sun or a black light.

VII.Conclusion: What are the applications and limitations of ultraviolet examination?

 UV radiation is widely used in industrial processes as well as in medical and

dental practices for a variety of purposes, such as bacteria killing, creating
fluorescent effects, curing inks and resins, phototherapy, and suntanning. The
risks are the limitations. Sunburn is caused by short-term overexposure, whereas
premature aging and skin cancer are caused by long-term UV exposure. If no eye
protection is worn, UV exposure increases the risk of potentially blinding eye
diseases. UV radiation overexposure can cause serious health problems, including
cancer.

Reference: Cejes and Libres-Etis (2014). Laboratory Manual for Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology First Edition. ChapterHouse Publishing
Incorporated, Novaliches, Quezon City.
http://resources.culturalheritate.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2015/02/osg009-11.pdf
https://www.gloeffex.com/products/invisible-uv-theft-detection-powder
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY

DORSAL SIDE
LEFT HAND RIGHT HAND

OBSERVED BY:
NAME:
WITNESSED BY:

PALMAR SIDE
LEFT HAND RIGHT HAND

Reference: Cejes and Libres-Etis (2014). Laboratory Manual for Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology First Edition. ChapterHouse Publishing Incorporated, Novaliches, Quezon City.
http://resources.culturalheritate.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2015/02/osg009-11.pdf
https://www.gloeffex.com/products/invisible-uv-theft-detection-powder
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY

OBSERVED BY:
NAME:
WITNESSED BY:

Reference: Cejes and Libres-Etis (2014). Laboratory Manual for Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology First Edition. ChapterHouse Publishing Incorporated, Novaliches, Quezon City.
http://resources.culturalheritate.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2015/02/osg009-11.pdf
https://www.gloeffex.com/products/invisible-uv-theft-detection-powder