Date of Award
Spring 6-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department/Program
Forensic Science
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Thomas A. Kubic
Second Reader
Michelle D. Miranda
Third Advisor
John Lombardi
Abstract
While children’s temporary tattoos have been produced since the 20th century, there are few scientific studies that have evaluated their physical and chemical characteristics. Therefore, this thesis is a preliminary study done to evaluate the composition of children’s temporary tattoos and consider the importance of such traces in a forensic content.
Colored regions in children’s temporary tattoos, such as red, pink, yellow and orange, were found to fluoresce with the use of an alternative light source while the use of microscopy led to the identification of different printing patterns between temporary tattoos. However, limitations in the ability to determine the composition of the children’s temporary tattoos using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and infrared (IR) spectroscopy methods were encountered due to the instability of the dyes in solvents for extraction when exposed for long periods of time and the presence of the colorless adhesive.
As a preliminary study, it lays the groundwork for subsequent studies to further evaluate the ability to use children’s temporary tattoos as a reliable tool in forensic investigations.
Recommended Citation
Bravo, Erika, "The Forensic Analysis of Children's Temporary Tattoos" (2019). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/111