Overview

The Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS) provides chemical analysis and physical comparisons of different types of materials and trace evidence.

Chemical examinations are performed to:

  • identify a material
  • find the source of the material

The examinations and findings may be helpful:

  • as an investigative aid in cases where no suspect has been identified
  • by associating a person with a location or event
  • to assist in establishing a sequence of events
  • to support or refute a witness statement

Chemistry services

Chemical identification and comparison

  • Identification of unknown solids and liquids.
  • Identification of dangerous or toxic materials in food products.

Dye-pack dye

  • Identification of dye-pack dye from bank security devices on items such as currency, clothing and swabs.

Explosives

  • Analysis of all types of explosives and post-blast debris including device components.

Fibres

  • Identification and comparison of fibres from clothing, carpeting, rope, vehicles and other objects.

Fire evidence

  • Analysis of fire debris and other items for the presence of ignitable liquids such as petroleum products, alcohols, solvents and oils.

Gunshot residue

  • Examination of hand kits, clothing and vehicles for gunshot residue particles.

Lachrymators

  • Identification of lachrymators (a substance that irritates the eyes and causes tears) such as pepper spray, tear gas, mace in dispensers and on items such as clothing, towels or swabs.

Metals

  • Identification of all types of metals including alloys, steels, precious metals.

Paint

  • Comparison of recovered paint chips and smears with paint from a known origin.
  • Vehicle make/model/year determination in hit-and-run investigations.

Physical match

  • Examination of broken, cut or torn materials to determine if they were once part of the same object.

Plastics and polymers

  • Identification and comparison of all types of plastics for example, car parts, foams, glues.

Sexual lubricants

  • Analysis of condom and personal lubricants on swabs and clothing.

Tape

  • Examination of tapes including duct tape, electrical tape and tape adhesives.
  • Physical matching of tape ends.

Guide for collecting and submitting chemical evidence

Use the following guide for information on how to collect and submit chemical evidence to CFS:

Contact information for clients

Toronto chemistry unit laboratory

Chemistry unit (main line)